sentences:  Gardens were established in most major towns in Queensland, with Townsville's Botanic Gardens being included on an 1868 survey plan.However, the size of the original reserve in Townsville and its proximity to the city centre resulted in town planning leases and excising of reserve land to accommodate public recreation and institutions.The first successful incursion into the reserve was made by the Townsville Cricket Club, which applied for space in the northeast corner of the Gardens to build a pitch.