It's onwards and upwards for Wendy Whiteley's secret garden after the NSW government granted permanency to the Sydney Harbour attraction.
The spectacular Lavender Bay sanctuary had its five-year land lease extended to 30 years on Friday, with an additional 30-year roll-over clause, in a move by the NSW government to ensure long-term preservation.
The local resident and wife of late artist Brett Whiteley has spent the past 20 years transforming the "green lump" of overgrown council railway land at the foot of her home.
"It's about time we have a few people in government who have got an imagination," she said.
"It will become a collaboration now, instead of there being the slightly worrying feeling that somebody could arrive with a bulldozer one day, or a chainsaw or something, and it would all be gone overnight."
Transport minister Andrew Constance said: "I'm pretty sure it would be a game politician in thirty years' time not to continue what is absolutely beautiful. It is without doubt one of the greatest gardens in Sydney, if not Australia."
The tranquil garden is maintained by Ms Whiteley, two full-time staff, two part-time staff and a herd of volunteers who visit once a month.
Sydneysiders and tourists are encouraged to bring their children to the garden, plant a tree or simply take time to stop and reflect.
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