Tradition may need to be thrown aside as the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society works with Whitehaven Coal to restore the gardens of Kurrumbede, a former family residence of the late poet.

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A Whitehaven spokesperson said recent discussions with the project committee had centred around "the need to secure an appropriate long-term water supply to support the re-establishment of the gardens".

"Natives and drought-tolerant plants are likely to feature ahead of plants that might be more traditionally associated with the Kurrumbede gardens as they appeared in the first half of last century," they said.

Society president Juliana McArthur said members had visited the homestead recently and had viewed draft plans to get an idea of the "look and feel" of the proposed gardens.

"Emphasis will be on establishing a garden that can withstand drought, and to be enjoyed for years to come," Mrs McArthur said.

"We anticipate establishing a dedicated water supply and planting in autumn, depending on the weather.

"We truly hope some good rain will fall soon as this will greatly help establish the garden, as gardeners will know."

Whitehaven has also installed some fencing to protect some of the ancillary structures on the property including the former stables.

Related story: Piece of Kurrumbede's history finds new home in Mackellar

Whitehaven announced $500,000 for the three-year project in April 2019.

The society also hopes to see the outbuildings restored in the future in partnership with Whitehaven, and nominated the house, outbuildings and grounds for the State Heritage Register in late 2018.