One of the region’s popular green spaces is preparing for a fresh new chapter, with Bundaberg Regional Council set to rejuvenate the iconic rose gardens in Buss Park.
The project will revitalise the circular garden bed, originally established in the early 1990s, to improve its appearance and ensure it remains healthy and sustainable for years to come.
Work has already begun and many of the existing roses have been carefully relocated to the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens nursery where they will be cared for over a 12-week period before being replanted alongside new varieties.
As Buss Park approaches its 100th anniversary in the coming years, the project is the first step in a broader vision to celebrate the park’s heritage, honour the Buss family and enhance its role as the heart of Bundaberg’s CBD.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the project was about protecting the park’s heritage while preparing it for the future.
“Buss Park has been at the centre of our community for generations and the rose garden is one of its recognisable features,” she said.
“This project will help ensure the garden continues to flourish while preserving the history and character that make Buss Park so special.”
Rose garden revitalisation underway
The first stage of the revitalisation project will focus on the circular rose garden.
New irrigation will be installed before a carefully selected mix of new rose varieties is planted.
The new roses have been chosen for their suitability to Bundaberg’s climate, vibrant colour, fragrance and disease resistance.
The second stage of the project, beginning in July, will see selected roses from the long garden beds leading to the Bert Hinkler monument relocated to the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Park as part of ongoing improvements to the memorial gardens.
History of Buss Park
Buss Park was originally known as Market Square before being transformed into a public park in 1930, thanks to a £500 donation from local councillor Horace Buss.
Horace was the son of Frederic Buss, a prominent businessman in the region.
The new park featured landscaped gardens, fountains, walking paths, a commemorative Hinkler plaque and tennis courts, creating a lasting green space in the heart of Bundaberg.
Would council consider doing a time capsule to be opened at future date. Perhaps another 100 years forward in time
The revitalisation of the Buss Park rose gardens sounds like a thoughtful and well-planned project. It’s great to see the existing roses being carefully relocated and cared for while new varieties are introduced to keep the garden vibrant and healthy. With Buss Park nearing its 100th anniversary, this upgrade feels like a meaningful way to honour its history while preparing it for the future. Looking forward to seeing the gardens in full bloom again once the work is complete.
OMG I can’t wait!!! I’ve just started with rose gardening and I am now truly obsessed. I visited Buss Park recently and now hearing that it’s being updated with new fragrant roses I am beyond happy!! I will be there on opening day to sniff out the new garden – how exciting 🙂 thanks council!!
Very excited that roses will be prioritised in this rejuvenation of the Buss Park gardens. They’re elegant and timeless, and smell like heaven when they’re blooming. I’m very glad you’ll have fragrant varieties there to draw sniffers in! Much appreciated.
As a past resident of Bundaberg my husband and I would like to donate a rose towards the Buss Park rose garden upgrade.
Could put a plague near the rose depicting our working life in Bundaberg.