Significant garden attracts funding

The grant will be used to upgrade the Ponds and Banks Track, comprising a boardwalk and walking track connecting the picnic area called Lamberts Clearing with the garden’s function centre known as Caley’s Pavilion.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is set for a $1 million upgrade thanks to a grant from the local council.

The funds will be used to upgrade one of the garden’s most popular walking tracks using an innovative form of recycled plastic.

Ku-ring-gai Council was awarded a total of $1.006 million from the NSW Government’s Places to Roam grant program.

The grant will be used to upgrade the Ponds and Banks Track, comprising a boardwalk and walking track connecting the picnic area called Lamberts Clearing with the garden’s function centre known as Caley’s Pavilion.

The track is one of the most popular within Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden and the existing boardwalk will be upgraded to improve safety and accessibility. Surrounding bushland will also receive additional protection for endangered species including the Eastern Pygmy Possum.

The new boardwalk will be constructed from recycled plastic material which is more durable, low maintenance and resistant to moisture and insects such as termites.

The grant funding will also be used to provide interpretative signage on the area’s native plants and wildlife and its indigenous history.

In announcing the grant had been awarded, Mayor Jeff Pettett said work on the new boardwalk was expected to start in the middle of this year and be completed within six months.

“The Wildflower Garden is fast becoming one of our most popular places for visitors to experience Ku-ring-gai’s beautiful environment.

“This project will make the garden more accessible for people with a disability and safer for bushwalkers. It will also raise awareness of the area’s Aboriginal heritage.”