Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Chelsea Australian Garden, Olinda

Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (19:12): (466) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Environment, and the action I seek is that the minister join me in my electorate to visit the Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda to discuss priorities for the full realisation of the Olinda precinct plan.

This stunning botanic garden made possible through a $3.8 million investment from the Allan Labor government along with a $2.2 million investment from the federal government and $340,000 raised by the People and Parks Foundation stands as a remarkable achievement in environmental stewardship. Built from the ground up on a section of the former Olinda golf course, this expansive garden supports biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife. Its features include a cascading waterfall and billabong, winding paths leading to remarkable vistas and a towering waratah sculpture standing at an impressive 9 metres high. With over 15,000 plants representing more than 400 native Australian species planted across various microclimates, this garden promises hours of exploration for garden enthusiasts. It is a living, breathing testament to the original Australian Garden exhibit created by designer Phillip Johnson, horticulturalist Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders team, which made history by winning gold and best in show at the London Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show 10 years ago, in 2013.

This project is just part of the $11 million investment to deliver the Olinda precinct plan. Already we have seen the completion of a new sporting oval and nature-based playscape, and further upgraded visitor and sporting facilities are in the pipeline. This garden is the flagship of Victoria’s great gardens and shows the importance of sustaining such green spaces for the wellbeing of our community. Therefore I respectfully request the minister’s presence and participation in this visit to the Chelsea gardens at Olinda.