The Andrews Labor Government will soon collaborate with passionate local businesses and deliver an all-abilities sensory garden at Serendip Sanctuary.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt announced the sensory garden will offer a different way to connect to nature and stimulate visitors sight, smell, sound and touch.
Based outside Geelong, the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary are popular reserves for wildlife viewing, education and outdoor recreation, including for disability services. The new sensory garden will be designed to ensure it is accessible for everyone.
Local businesses CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus Australia together will contribute $45,000 towards the build of the garden – with the final design expected to be completed later this year.
The sensory garden was one project identified in the You Yangs Precinct Masterplan, with the Labor Government investing $11 million to deliver a range of upgrades to help revitalise the important environmental, cultural and recreational precinct.
The rich and varied landscape of the You Yangs protects Wadawurrung cultural heritage sites and offers important habitat for native animals. It’s also a key regional tourism spot – offering mountain bike trails, horse riding, rock-climbing, abseiling, trail running, bushwalks and picnics spots.
Once the design of the garden is confirmed, the start date for works will be announced at a later date.
For further information visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.
As stated by Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“I’m delighted to see businesses coming together to support our parks and reserves – helping more people get into nature.”
“Our investment in the You Yangs Regional Park and at Serendip Sanctuary will strengthen the visitor experience in the region while further protecting its special landscapes.”
As stated by Member for Lara Ella George
“Serendip Sanctuary regularly hosts a range of disability services – which is why this new sensory garden is designed to ensure it’s accessible for everyone.”
“It’s so important we provide opportunities for everyone to immerse themselves in nature and projects like this remove barriers that prevent people from having that experience.”
“The new sensory garden is just one of the many exciting upgrades we will see at Serendip Sanctuary in the coming years.”
