Community
14 November, 2025
Have your say on arboretum masterplan
ALL members of the Corangamite community are encouraged to have their say on one of the shire’s crown jewels – the Camperdown Arboretum.
Local residents and those who come to Camperdown to enjoy the precinct are being invited to give feedback on the draft masterplan for the Camperdown Arboretum.
The draft masterplan considers the 5.6ha in the north-east corner of the arboretum – excluding the neighbouring botanic gardens, caravan park and grazing land – with consideration to further stages beyond the current area in the future.
The arboretum borders the famous Camperdown Botanic Gardens and both are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin said council will consider all submissions prior to final adoption.
“A huge amount of research and study has gone into this draft to protect the heritage value of the arboretum and make it an amazing experience in all seasons – from spring and summer blooms to autumn leaves, and different shapes and textures in winter,” she said.
“It has considered environmental and climate change in the selection of plant species and replacement of trees when they reach the end of their natural lifespans.
“The aim is to improve our facilities, so our community can get out and enjoy a healthy lifestyle in nature and to create new tourism opportunities for our local economy.”
Cr Makin said the draft was developed following extensive consultation with the community and various agencies.
Councillor Nick Cole is among the residents with a connection to the arboretum.
“My great-great grandmother Isabella Taylor used to walk across from Renny Hill (a homestead around half way up Park Lane) to water the plants, carrying buckets in a heavy Victorian era dress,” he said.
“In those days they wouldn’t have had the most comfortable shoes to walk in either.
“They were friends with Guilfoyle and he used to come and stay with them.”
Cr Cole said the Corangamite district was lucky to have the arboretum.
“A lot of people in a small town like Camperdown wouldn’t have access to anything like that,” he said.
“We have some extraordinary, big, old trees up there − absolutely magnificent − and they will eventually unfortunately die – that’s what happens.
“It’s enlarging the area up there into a more unique relaxation area.
“I encourage everyone to go up there and have a look because it is an amazing place.
“I think this plan, going ahead, will make it a more extraordinary, amazing place for Camperdown.”
Community members can view the plan and fill in a survey at conversations.corangamite.vic.gov.au/arboretum-masterplan or email submissions to shire@corangamite.vic.gov.au.
Four pop-up sessions will be held at the botanic gardens rotunda where residents can discuss the plan with council staff – with two sessions from 11am-12noon and 3-4pm on Thursday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 25.
Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, December 8.
Read More: Camperdown