project team
Client | Fabcot
Builder | Walton Constructions Queensland
Shire | City of Mount Gambier
retail landscape for mount gambier’s unique climate & community
Mount Gambier Marketplace, a $55.5 million retail development on Penola Road, transformed the region’s commercial landscape. Citicene partnered with Walton Construction Queensland to craft a landscape design that blends seamlessly with Mount Gambier’s unique microclimate.
Understanding the unique climatic conditions and community needs, Citicene developed a landscape that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering both comfort and sustainability. The design focused on sustainable practices, including strategic plant selection, water sensitive urban design practices (WSUD) and a commitment to the environment.

key landscape features – functionality meets aesthetic appeal
The landscape design for Mount Gambier Marketplace is centred around several key features that enhance both the site’s functionality and visual appeal. An avenue of Cabbage Tree Palms lines the entry boulevard, helping to define the site and create a clear sense of arrival for visitors. These majestic palms not only provide visual interest but also guide shoppers into the marketplace, framing the main thoroughfare and contributing to the site’s identity.
In the carpark areas, evergreen medium-canopy shade trees were strategically planted to provide comfort and shade for visitors, ensuring the space remains cool and inviting throughout the day. The design also incorporated a large bio-basin for water retention and filtration, helping to manage storm water runoff while enhancing the sustainability of the site. This bio-basin was re-vegetated with native species to further strengthen the ecological function of the space.
Batter stabilization planting and screening were used to soften large retaining walls, ensuring that the landscape is both functional and visually pleasing. The design focused on providing a balanced, green environment that also serves the practical needs of the development, meeting both regulatory and environmental requirements.

sustainable species selection – enhancing local character and ecological balance
Sustainable species selection was a cornerstone of the landscape design, with careful consideration given to the local climate and ecological needs. Citicene selected native species that are well-suited to Mount Gambier’s unique conditions, ensuring that the landscape not only looks beautiful but also thrives for years to come.
The plant selection included species that contribute to water filtration, such as those suited for the bio-basin, as well as evergreen trees for shaded carpark areas. Additionally, indigenous plants were used for boundary planting, which enhances the local character and fosters ecological balance. These species not only help maintain the region’s natural beauty but also ensure the long-term sustainability of the site, reducing maintenance requirements and promoting resilience.
By choosing plants that are adapted to the local conditions, Citicene was able to create a landscape that functions in harmony with its environment, contributing to both the aesthetic quality and ecological health of the community.
Citicene’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable landscape architecture was demonstrated in the successful completion of this project, despite the geographic distance between our Queensland office and the site in South Australia. The seamless collaboration between Citicene, Walton Constructions Queensland, and the local stakeholders ensured that the design vision was realized, meeting the project’s sustainability goals, budget, and timeline.

nationwide design and advice
Citicene’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable landscape architecture was demonstrated in the successful completion of this project, despite the geographic distance between our Queensland office and the site in South Australia. The seamless collaboration between Citicene, Walton Constructions Queensland, and the local stakeholders ensured that the design vision was realized, meeting the project’s sustainability goals, budget, and timeline.