The City of Ballarat is developing a Landscape Design Plan for the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park, a project that forms part of the Lake Wendouree Masterplan.
The Lake Wendouree precinct, including the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, is very important to the people of Ballarat. That's why we want to hear your thoughts on this project and to ensure we've got it right.
We're committed to actively involving you in our strategic planning processes, so we encourage you to ask questions and provide comments regarding the project. Your contributions will play a big part in establishing a prosperous Ballarat.
As part of this consultation project we have set a number of objections, including to:
- Ensure a Landscape Design Plan for the site incorporates local Aboriginal stories and aspirations
- Assess, review and prioritise key features of the Indigenous Sculpture Park project including sculpture commissions
- Identify features and community values that have historical, cultural, environmental, and landscape significance, with particular regard to Aboriginal heritage
- Establish principles for the siting, development and commissioning of artworks at North Gardens
- Improve landscape development and management outcomes
The North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park project was strongly supported by the Wadawurrung, the City of Ballarat's Koori Engagement Action Groug (KEAG) and the wider community in the recent development of the Lake Wendouree Master Plan (page 50).
A thorough consultation processes run by a landscape design team in collaboration with local Aboriginal stakeholders and the Wadawurrung has since been undertaken to ensure that any works undertaken at the North Gardens connect deeply with local Aboriginal cultural heritage and meet the objectives of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
As part of the consultation so far, a site for the first sculpture has been identified as is indicated by a tick on the plan.
This artwork will be installed and open to the public in March 2019.
The larger Landscape Design Plan for the site will guide future artwork commissions and additional landscape elements.
Now it's your chance to tell us what you think, have we got the first draft right?
Email kategerritsen@ballarat.vic.gov.au to let us know.