Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey met with Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to officially open the Smythesdale Public Gardens Upgrade. Ms Haylett attended on behalf of the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Regional Development, The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP.
Features of the upgrade include drainage improvements which aim to mitigate flooding and support natural water movement, street and park furniture upgrades including the replacement of existing park benches and picnic tables which were at end of life, and the installation of signage to help promote the Gardens and provide important information to visitors.
The upgrade project also addresses key priorities outlined in Golden Plains Shire Council’s recently developed Smythesdale Gardens Masterplan.
This $120,000 project has been delivered with $100,000 from the Victorian Government’s Council Support Package and $20,000 from Golden Plains Shire Council.
Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP:
The Smythesdale Public Gardens is a favourite tourism spot for so many. Upgrading the gardens will help boost tourism even more and help this special town continue to grow.
Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey:
We’re thrilled to officially open the Smythesdale Public Gardens Upgrade Project to the community. The many benefits to this upgrade project include supporting community volunteers to manage the site, improving access and utilisation for the community, supporting local business, and encouraging healthy living and active lifestyles, Cr Sharkey said.
The space provides diverse opportunities for use and will serve as an asset to the Smythesdale community and surrounding townships – connecting people to key local sites. It’s always a pleasure to work with the State Government on delivering positive outcomes for our communities, and we look forward to seeing the upgraded space in use, he said.