FITZROY GARDENS GETS GREEN FLAG
13 Mar 2013
Fitzroy Gardens has been recognised amongst the world’s best, becoming one of 12 sites across Australia and New Zealand to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award.
Melbourne’s esteemed Fitzroy Gardens has been recognised amongst the world’s best, becoming one of 12 sites across Australia and New Zealand to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award scheme, recognised internationally, assesses parks for their safety, quality of facilities, management of the environment, historical features and community involvement.
Environment Portfolio Chair Councillor Arron Wood said he was delighted that the Fitzroy Gardens had been recognised through this award.
"The Fitzroy Gardens are loved by many and we are proud to see this treasured green space formally recognised. They contain some of our oldest and most magnificent trees, and are also home to the historic Cooks’ Cottage and the Conservatory with its impressive indoor floral displays,” Cr Wood said.
"More than 2.5 million people visit the Fitzroy Gardens every year. Whether it’s to take a stroll through the gardens, enjoy a picnic, read a book under a tree or to play, the gardens are a wonderful space for Melburnians and visitors to enjoy right in the middle of our busy city.”
Spread across 26 hectares in East Melbourne, the Fitzroy Gardens also feature the River God Fountain and Dolphin Fountain, the Fairies’ Tree, a model Tudor Village and a number of other statues and structures.
Cr Wood said while the gardens had an impressive historic value, Council was also aware of the need to ensure the gardens were able to adapt to a changing climate.
“Last year, in partnership with the Australian Government, we started work on a stormwater project in Fitzroy Gardens that will provide almost 70 million litres of recycled water every year.
“Once completed, a new depot, visitor centre and garden area will also be created above the stormwater tank that park users will be able to enjoy.”
As part of this award, a green flag has been raised adjacent to the Propagator’s Cottage, near the Wellington Parade and Lansdowne Street entry and will remain there until January 2014.
Other parks to receive the award this year include Cenntenial Parklands and Hyde Park in Sydney, Kings Park in Perth and the Phillip Island Nature Park in Victoria.