Mossvale Park, once a productive nursery, became a public park in 1946 and has since been cared for by dedicated volunteers and local councils. A new Master Plan, developed through community consultation, will guide the park's future, focusing on heritage trees, plant succession, cultural history, and accessibility. The Master Plan provides a long-term vision for the site which will be achieved in two stages. This project; stage one of the plan includes community input, expert assessments, and landscape recommendations to shape a vibrant, inclusive arboretum.

How we will achieve our Master Plan
A project working group will be established consisting of Friends members, Shire staff and WGCMA staff. Contractors involved in the project are -
Belinda Brennan who has been part of the Landcare, Natural Resource Management and Community Engagement fields for over 30 years, in Victoria and Western Australia. She has extensive experience in facilitation and support, strategic planning, community engagement and consultation.
Our arborist is Peter Bateman who has much previous experience in the park. Peter has completed the ISA (international Society Arboriculture) TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). TRAQ is considered best practice when assessing tree health diagnostic and risks. Peter is a level 5 qualified arborist.
As the park has more than 1 km of Tarwin River frontage, Matt Bowler Project Delivery Manager WGCMA has a vital role in protecting and enhancing the riparian vegetation. He delivered the riverbank restoration in the park in 2009 for the CMA and has retained a consultative role ever since.
Our Landscape Architect is John Patrick from John Patrick Landcare Architects. This practice has conducted heritage conservation studies, master plans and conservation management plans for some of the most significant historic landscapes in Victoria. With expertise in landscape architecture, horticulture and arboriculture, the heritage landscape team is able to achieve practical outcomes for sites assessed of significance at the local, state and national level.

Our Master Plan will address management issues such as plant collections, responding to climate change, water security, maintenance, events, expanded education and the important role of the Friends of Mossvale Park. The plan will be developed in consultation with the community, stakeholders, site users and managers to create a new vision for the site that protects and celebrates what people love while allowing it to embrace its full potential. What we want to achieve is a road map to an accessible arboretum that can be loved and used by all people, with something that appeals to everyone.
Mossvale Park, located beside the Tarwin River at Berry's Creek, spans around 5 hectares combining developed parkland and natural bush. It exemplifies 19th-century landscaping that reflects European settlement's impact on the local environment and holds historical significance linked to Francis Moss and the Moss Vale Nursery. Renowned for its mature exotic trees and remnant indigenous vegetation, the park is a cherished landmark within South Gippsland and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The Master Plan stage one will outline a 20-year vision to preserve its heritage and beloved features.
We will use a community consultation process to determine from the community what services they would like the park to provide them. Our consultant arborist will along with the project working group, assess the trees and determine what is necessary to keep them thriving into the future. The WGCMA will help us work out how to best maintain the riverbanks. The Landscape architects will pull all the information together and provide a draft plan for the future. This document will be offered for further community consultation and with further funding for Stage two, a final master plan will be prepared.