Iconic Townsville gardens revamped
TOWNSVILLE’S iconic botanical garden has gone through a multimillion-dollar revamp with locals now encouraged to rediscover the gem.
The Palmetum has gone through a major irrigation upgrade, pathway and accessibility improvements and the reopening of the Tumbetin Lodge, to give the gardens a new lease on life.
Now, the community is being encouraged to grab a treat from the cafe, or bring a picnic, put on a pair of sensible shoes and rediscover the botanical garden.
Mayor Jenny Hill said over the past 18 months, the Townsville City Council had invested heavily in improving the amenity of parks and gardens around the city.
“We have three world-class botanical gardens located right here in our own backyard, which provide wonderful, free spaces for our community to explore and enjoy,” Cr Hill said.
The Palmetum has undergone a major irrigation upgrade with the help of a state government Works 4 Queensland grant of more than $2m.
Cr Hill said this project would futureproof the garden for decades to come.
“With 70 per cent of our region’s yearly rainfall falling between January and March it’s important we’re able to keep this world-class garden looking its best year-round, in the most water-efficient way possible,” she said.
The gardens have also had a major accessibility overhaul, with upgrades to help residents of all abilities access The Palmetum.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairman Kurt Rehbein said council crews replaced a number of timber footbridges within the gardens, constructed new pathways between Nathan St and Yolanda Drive and upgraded a number of access ramps.
“This garden truly is a beautiful part of the world, so we wanted to make sure we could enhance accessibility to ensure people of all abilities could make the most of what this wonderful part of our city has to offer,” Cr Rehbein said.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads invested
$400,000 in the accessibility upgrades.
The arrival of Absolute Cravings at Tumbetin Lodge had been welcomed with open arms.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairwoman Ann-maree Greaney said it was exciting to see the historic building alive again.
“As part of council’s vision to become a globally-connected community driven by lifestyle and nature, we understand how important enhancing the liveability of our natural space is,” Cr Greaney said.
“With more people visiting this wonderful local business we hope to see more locals once again discovering some of the wonders of their own backyard.”