Bendigo’s Botanic Gardens are set for a major facelift with Premier Denis Napthine today announcing a $500,000 contribution towards a $3.9 million garden upgrade.
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Dr Napthine said the heritage listed Bendigo Botanic Gardens were a popular drawcard for the region and the state government was proud to support the Garden for the Future project.
“This major investment will not only make the Botanic Gardens an even better place for local residents to visit, it will also help to attract even more visitors to the great regional city of Bendigo,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Garden for the Future project features a three-hectare contemporary garden that will complement the existing heritage listed garden first established in 1857.
“Importantly, the project will also build on Bendigo’s growing reputation as a major regional hub for cultural events, with the installation of a new events space within the garden.
“It will have purpose built, modern, outdoor infrastructure that provides for a comfortable and relaxed space to gather and relax,” Dr Napthine said.
Member for Northern Victoria Region Damian Drum said Bendigo was fast becoming a major regional hub for cultural and artistic events.
“The new Garden for the Future development will complement Bendigo’s other cultural facilities such as the Sandhurst Theatre and Bendigo Art Gallery, which we have also funded through the Regional Growth Fund,” Mr Drum said.
“The Coalition government recognised the importance of facilities such as these in helping to attract visitors and residents to the region and to grow the local economy.”
Member for Northern Victoria Region Amanda Millar, Liberal Candidate for Bendigo East Greg Bickley and Liberal Candidate for Bendigo West Jack Lyons welcomed the announcement.
“This is great news for our community, with this funding being used to enhance facilities and ensure that more events can be held at these world renowned gardens,” Mr Bickley said.
“This funding will further enhance these beloved gardens and provide yet another tourist drawcard for this great region, which is known as the arts and cultural capital of rural and regional Victoria,” Mr Lyons said.