Gardners Falls Landscape and Management Plan

Gardners Falls is a popular destination for many visitors who enjoy the short walking trail, waterfalls, swimming holes and picnic areas in a natural bushland setting.

Increases in visitor numbers have occurred in the last few years, so last year council:

  • increased the frequency of rubbish removals
  • upgraded the toilet and
  • consulted with key stakeholders and adjacent residents about the future management of the Falls.

This year council will:

  • increase the tank-holding capacity of the toilet and ensure a sealed system,
  • start an anti-litter campaign, and
  • develop a landscape and management plan for the reserve.

Purpose

The Landscape and Management Plan is intended to reflect the community’s vision, and priorities for the future of Gardners Falls, and aims to:

  • conserve and enhance the reserve’s environmental values
  • provide accessible, sustainable, nature-based recreation opportunities and
  • enhance the scenic and cultural amenity of the reserve.

Community engagement

Your feedback on the draft actions and landscape plan will help guide the final landscape and management plan for the reserve. The finalised plan will be presented for endorsement later in the year.

Council invited residents and visitors to view the draft landscape and management plan. Survey closed on 23 April 2018.

Alternatively, hard copies of the survey are available at council's Maleny Library or provide feedback via the contact details provided.

Background

Following concerns being raised by the community, council consulted with key stakeholders and adjacent residents regarding the future management of Gardners Falls; and in March 2017 presented a report to council.

At the Council Ordinary Meeting in March 2017, the resolution (OM17/43) was made that council:

  • address the public safety issues considering the installation of appropriate road infrastructure to allow unimpeded access for emergency vehicles to the car park areaeExamine the potential for closing the car parking area at night to prevent camping and anti-social behaviour
  • investigate the creation of a management plan
  • a draft landscape plan, and proposed actions based on this council report, the initial consultation, site conditions and further engagement with key stakeholders is prepared.

Gardners Falls is a popular destination for many visitors who enjoy the short walking trail, waterfalls, swimming holes and picnic areas in a natural bushland setting.

Increases in visitor numbers have occurred in the last few years, so last year council:

  • increased the frequency of rubbish removals
  • upgraded the toilet and
  • consulted with key stakeholders and adjacent residents about the future management of the Falls.

This year council will:

  • increase the tank-holding capacity of the toilet and ensure a sealed system,
  • start an anti-litter campaign, and
  • develop a landscape and management plan for the reserve.

Purpose

The Landscape and Management Plan is intended to reflect the community’s vision, and priorities for the future of Gardners Falls, and aims to:

  • conserve and enhance the reserve’s environmental values
  • provide accessible, sustainable, nature-based recreation opportunities and
  • enhance the scenic and cultural amenity of the reserve.

Community engagement

Your feedback on the draft actions and landscape plan will help guide the final landscape and management plan for the reserve. The finalised plan will be presented for endorsement later in the year.

Council invited residents and visitors to view the draft landscape and management plan. Survey closed on 23 April 2018.

Alternatively, hard copies of the survey are available at council's Maleny Library or provide feedback via the contact details provided.

Background

Following concerns being raised by the community, council consulted with key stakeholders and adjacent residents regarding the future management of Gardners Falls; and in March 2017 presented a report to council.

At the Council Ordinary Meeting in March 2017, the resolution (OM17/43) was made that council:

  • address the public safety issues considering the installation of appropriate road infrastructure to allow unimpeded access for emergency vehicles to the car park areaeExamine the potential for closing the car parking area at night to prevent camping and anti-social behaviour
  • investigate the creation of a management plan
  • a draft landscape plan, and proposed actions based on this council report, the initial consultation, site conditions and further engagement with key stakeholders is prepared.