Queen's Garden aviary upgrade to go ahead
Date published: 11 July 2017
The aviary at Queens Gardens is set for a major upgrade after council’s Infrastructure Services Committee today agreed to undertake a master plan for the historic site.
An aviary has been part of Queen’s Gardens since 1930 and while some remedial work had been done on the existing structure over past years, a decision was made to close the facility in May after it was no longer deemed safe for the birds.
The Queen’s Gardens Aviary Master Plan will also look at opportunities such as a café, the possible relocation of the aviary on the grounds and ultimately how to turn the historic gardens into an even better facility for the community.
A detailed structural engineering investigation and design of remedial works is proposed.
Committee chair Cr Mark Molachino said the aviary was a much-loved community facility.
“It’s clear that the current structure was in dire need of an overhaul but this master plan is bigger than that – it looks at the opportunities that extend beyond just the aviary itself,” Cr Molachino said.
“This is an exciting opportunity to rethink the facility and how the community uses it and we’re happy to have community and stakeholder input.
“While the bulk of this master planning will be undertaken by council technical staff, a full scope and project plan will need to be further developed with the assistance of external planning and aviary experts.”
Divisional councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the aviary was a popular feature of the gardens and council was committed to keeping the attraction for the enjoyment of the community.
“We want to turn the aviary into an even better attraction than before because we know how precious the facility and the birds are to some of our residents,” Cr Greaney said.
The birds have been relocated to wildlife carers as an interim measure.
A total of $50,000 will be allocated towards the investigation, design and master plan.
Today’s recommendation will go to full council on July 25 for approval.
