Partnership for paradise in Coffs Harbour

City of Coffs Harbour’s award-winning North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is growing places after the signing of an historic partnership agreement as part of implementing the Plan of Management for the garden. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City and the Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Inc formalises a long-standing informal arrangement over the 22-hectare oasis on the edge of the Central Business District. 

“This is a big day for Coffs Harbour as this document provides the bedrock for the garden to flourish even further. It’s already a major tourist attraction with more than 120,000 visitors every year,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said. 

“The MoU confirms the City remains responsible for the day-to-day management of the garden and recognises the key role the Friends play through the thousands of volunteer hours they provide.” 

At a special lakeside ceremony in the garden, the MoU was signed by City General Manager Natalia Cowley and Friends President Graham Tupper. 

Bounded by Coffs Creek and the Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery, the site was once known as Wilsons Park and had been used as a sanitary depot and garbage dump for Coffs Harbour. 

In the early 1970s a proposal was presented to Council to restore the site and use it for the purpose of a botanic garden. 

In 1980 the individuals behind that vision formed the Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Incorporated (Friends). 

“This MoU spells out the long-term commitment to a successful relationship,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said. 

“This leafy, welcoming sanctuary has already come so far – and the potential is there for ongoing enhancement.” 

Mr Tupper said the negotiations with the City had been a “good experience”. 

“We have turned a big corner today,” he said. 

“We want to eventually re-open the cafe. We have so many exciting things happening in the garden and when you put it all together it’s looking great.” 

The Friends role in the development of the garden has been telling, as they’ve provided on-ground maintenance, led visitor programs and initiatives, and fundraised as well as contributing to the strategic management of the amenity. 

“Their dedication and passion have been admirable,” Mr Beswick said. 

Specifically, this volunteer effort has included collaborative management of the garden, actively participating in its on-ground maintenance, contributing to the strategic direction and delivery of programs and initiatives, as well as fundraising efforts, donations and the dedication of volunteer hours.  

The garden features a range of discovery walks through natural forests and planted garden areas, including international plants from seven regions. 

“It’s an advantage for Coffs Harbour to have rainforest so close and so accessible,” Mr Tupper said. 

The garden – which also boasts a tropical glasshouse, gateway shop and beautiful waterways - is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. Entry is free. 

A new way to experience the garden was rolled out by the City of Coffs Harbour this year through the release of the Coffs Coast Explorer app. 

The app gives users an interactive informative tour guide around the site, and includes an option for people to ‘capture’ native animals in the garden in a Pokemon Go-style format. Download it here. 

Photo: (from left, back) Helen Wildman (Friends of the Garden), Mayor Nikki Williams, John Bliss and Patsy Caves (Friends), Transport and Open Space Services Group Leader Daniel Noble, City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick and (front) General Manager Natalia Cowley and Friends President Graham Tupper.