LOCAL conservation advocates have come together to form a group with the view of returning Wangaratta's Merriwa Park to its former glory.

The Merriwa Park and Gardens Group was formed after greater community focus on the park over the last 18 months stemming from several red gum trees falling or others being classified as extreme risk, consequently removed by council.

Group foundation member Claire Russell said people in the community started noticing a lack of maintenance of the park during this time.

"The lagoon is in a terrible state and I remember when it used to look lovely, and the fernery, closed for so long, is in total disrepair and weeds are out of control," she said.

"The lagoon wall has fallen in several places and has not been repaired."

Ms Russell also noted that one of the large oak trees is effectively dead and the other one is being consumed by ivy.

The retaining wall now in place due to the landslip was another issue.

Ms Russell said the group name reflects the original title of the Merriwa Gardens management committees established in the early 1900s.

"In the wake of concerns around plans to remove a significant number of the old established river red gums in Merriwa Park in 2023 our organisation has evolved into a larger group of like-minded people who have concerns about the lack of maintenance as well as flood damage in several areas of the park," she said.

"The aim of the new group is to promote and enhance the heritage, horticulture and wildlife of the park and to ensure sustainable use of Merriwa Park and gardens for future generations.

"Merriwa Park stands as a testament to community initiative, dedication and preservation efforts instigated by our early residents at the end of the 19th and turn of the 20th century."

The group has already held several meetings and given feedback to the Rural City of Wangaratta Recreation and Open Space Strategy and to the draft budget.

Ms Russell said the Merriwa Park and Gardens Group aims to work with the rural city by supporting and encouraging the implementation of the Merriwa Park Masterplan of 2022.

"When you have an asset like Merriwa Park that is listed on tourism sites all around Victoria, but then people drive down there and the lawns look lovely but the rest of it is shabby, something needs to be done," she said.

If you are interested in joining the group email merriwaparkgardensgroup@gmail.com.

MERRIWA PARK RETAINING WALL

Marcus Goonan, director community and infrastructure, said the reconstruction of the Merriwa Park retaining wall was a key outcome identified as part of council's Merriwa Park Masterplan adopted in 2021 and a critical element to preserve Merriwa Park.

He said the reconstruction of the retaining wall will help stabilise the embankment located adjacent to the Harvey Norman carpark.

"Previous works included upgrading the upper end of the retaining wall with a new gabion wall.

"This final stage of works is now being delivered on the lower end of existing retaining walls at Merriwa Park.

"Constructing four concrete retaining walls to replace the old timber sleeper construction, in addition to installing improved drainage and irrigation for future plantings.

"Works are aimed to be completed by mid-April and will cost about $370,000 (excluding GST)."