Carrathool Council has agreed to undertake the first stage of the proposed Arid Zone Botanic Garden.

In 2020 A master plan was developed for the Hillston Arid Zone Botanic Garden project. This plan consisted of 5 stages and had an estimated cost of just over $6 million. A Council committee was formed relating to the project and Council attempted to source funding from various grant opportunities.

Above: The concept plan for Hillston's Arid Zone Botanic Garden

To date Council have been unsuccessful in securing grant funding for the full cost of the project.

Councils committee decided to break the project into smaller stages with what could be practically achieved. Fencing, earthworks and the provision of water were identified as being achievable however this was all subject to grant funding. Savings have been made in areas of Councils projects that have enabled $190,000 to be made available to undertake these works.

Council approved the following $165,803 budget at the August meeting:

Earthworks $35,000 (Remove trees from carpark area, flatten out old levee tops for path in the future, clear fence line.)

Fence $17,000 (Hinge joint fence with barb line on top.)

Carpark/Free Camp $85,303 (Council to deliver, spread, compact, and shape / 150mm road base material.)

Water install $8,000 (40mm water service under bored across to the Kidman Way.)

Survey $9,500 (Survey boundary.)

Signage $1,000 (Estimate.)

Contingency $10,000 (Any unused money to be allocated to a tank and pump system.)

Quotes are currently being sought to confirm costings for stages 2 and 3 of the projects. Stages 2 & 3 of the Arid Zone Botanic Garden project are expected to be funded by future grant opportunities.

This project will be the only arid zone botanic garden in RAMJO region and Council hopes the community will see an increased tourism spend, increased visitor nights and development of significant tourism product along the Kidman Way Grey Nomad route.