FAQs

The development of the Wollongong Botanic Garden Masterplan commenced in 2018-19, with the original masterplan going through an extensive consultation and public exhibition process. It was always intended that a site masterplan would be adopted with an accompanying Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Gleniffer Brae precinct. A five-year approval process via Heritage NSW for the Gleniffer Brae CMP (adopted by the Heritage Council of NSW in 2023) has previously prevented both documents being submitted together for Council adoption. 

Given the time that has passed since the initial public exhibition, along with further stakeholder engagement in 2023–24 and subsequent updates to the Masterplan, we are now inviting the community to review the final draft and share their feedback.

Following the public exhibition, the Masterplan will be finalised and reported, along with community and stakeholder feedback, back to Council prior to adoption.

Please refer to the Table of Project Priorities for funding information.

The Gleniffer Brae CMP is a technical document that provides guidance for the management of conservation values of the Gleniffer Brae site. This is a significant state heritage listed site located within the Botanic Garden. As it is a Heritage Council endorsed document, it is not proposed for any further amendments. 

The document can be viewed online. A hard copy can be viewed in person at Wollongong Library and at the Botanic Garden's Towrie Centre.

The Gleniffer Brae Conservation Management Plan provides details for the management of conservation values of this significant state heritage listed site located within the Botanic Garden. The Conservation Management Plan was endorsed by Heritage NSW in 2023.

During previous rounds of consultation, community raised concerns about WollCon and they're leasing arrangement, as it had not been secured at the time. WollCon leases the existing buildings; part of the historic Gleniffer Brae House and the former SCEGGS school buildings. The current lease is valid until 2028. Council enjoys a supportive and collaborative relationship with WollCon and there are no plans to repurpose the buildings.

The Botanic Garden Draft Masterplan proposes to undertake a commercial feasibility assessment to understand if an existing building on site, such as the Discovery Centre/Cratloe Cottage, can be repurposed for a commercial use and/or activation. This approach, in seeking the re-purpose of an existing building asset, is preferred to the costly alternative of funding a new building, when considered within the broader context of funding the ongoing maintenance of Council’s overall building asset portfolio. 

Having said this, we are committed long term to providing a food offering within the garden.

The Botanic Gardens is transitioning to a service where education is delivered entirely outdoors. This framework makes best use of the Gardens most precious asset, the gardens themselves.

No, flood mitigation measures are outside of the scope of the draft Masterplan. Please refer to Council’s website for information on the Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creeks adopted Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.

The project team will review all the feedback we heard from the community during the engagement period. 

All feedback is important and is one factor in the decision-making process for Council. The graphic below shows some of the factors we consider in our decision making:

Following the public exhibition, the project team will consider all feedback received and the draft Masterplan may be changed.  

A report will be prepared for Council detailing what was heard and present recommendations on final amendments. Council will consider this report and provide a resolution on how to proceed. 

Everyone who gave feedback will be notified of the date of the Council meeting and how to view the relevant documents. It will also be published on this webpage.