THE master plan for the Botanic Gardens in Mossman will be unveiled tonight with a special ‘fly through’ digital presentation and symbolic planting at the proposed site.

Around 70 invited guests will be the first to witness the video, which will be presented by consultant architects LA3, and the first symbolic planting at the planned entrance way of the garden site.

The Hon Warren Entsch, MP for Leichhardt, has been an ardent supporter of the project and will cut the opening ribbon with Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu tonight.

Mr Entsch has been by the side of this amazing venture right from the start and worked closely with the governing board to secure Federal Government funding to enable the purchase of the land proposed for the gardens.

“It has taken over five years to get to this exciting point and we are all looking forward to being able to show our guests what has been designed,” Gardens Chairman John Sullivan said.

After the launch ceremony the party is moving to Mojos Restaurant on Front Street to enjoy the premiere showing of the three dimensional digital video fly through of the garden layout.

The consultants LA3 will also present an outline of what is being proposed and the many and various options as to how such an iconic project can be funded.

The design has been conceived to ensure that the venue attracts all interested parties from garden enthusiasts, the scientific and medical world as well as tourists who will been irresistibly drawn to the architecturally amazing structure together with the phenomenal diversity of tropical flora which will be exhibited.

“The story and theming of the gardens has been carefully designed in association with the local Ku Ku Yalanji people and their elders have assured the board that they are fully supportive of the project,”  Sullivan said.

“They are very excited about the opportunity to tell the story of their people and their country within the venue.”

The idea behind the design is to ensure the gardens become a photographic magnet, an awesome tourist attraction and a focus for Mossman for tourists and visitors whether they are gardening enthusiasts or not.

It hopes to be a draw card for the far north just as the Sydney Opera House has become.

“With the launch of the master plan and business development plan it is now possible to commence the all-important job of fund raising,” Sullivan said.

“We now have an impressive document to present to potential supporters at all sponsorship and membership levels. The digital presentation ensures everyone who is shown the presentation will get an instant understanding of why this catalytic venue is so important to Mossman, the Douglas Shire and the far north of Queensland.”

It is proposed that the public areas will be within the first building phase to ensure visitors and local residents can enjoy the embryonic gardens as soon as possible.

The master and business development plan, video, and printed material will be available to the general public after the launch on Saturday 23 April at CWA in Mossman (corner of William Street) from 9am-12pm.

It will also be available the following week on Wednesday 27 April at The Mossman Gorge BBN Board Room between 10am-12pm.