Botanic gardens across the state have been revitalised thanks to the Allan Labor Government Botanic Gardens Grants, improving the beauty and diversity of regional gardens and attracting local tourism.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced the successful completion of the Growing Victoria's Botanic Gardens Grants (GVBGG) which has delivered $3.9 million in grants to 42 projects across 29 gardens.
The funding supported diverse, innovative projects across the state that advance botanic gardens' contributions to the environment, community and local tourism.
Botanic Gardens are essential to conserving plant biodiversity, creating safe havens for threatened and rare plants and helping endangered species to recover.
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens received a grant of $200,475 for the installation of new garden beds with a with a water feature in the new visitor centre, the new feature will have an emphasis on local indigenous plants.
A grant of $150,000 was awarded to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden to supply and install a reliable irrigation system that will support and irrigate a new 'Conservation Garden' precinct that focus on a collection of rare and threatened native and exotic plants.
The Camperdown Botanical Gardens and Arboretum used it's $83,000 grant to install protective fencing around the arboretum to protect them from grazing sheep and cattle, replacement of pathways and work to improve the health of the heritage trees.
The GVBGG Program's goals supports Victoria's biodiversity strategy, transforming botanic gardens into vibrant spaces that support research, education, experiences in nature, community wellbeing.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"We are growing Victoria's botanic gardens to make sure they continue to thrive as hubs for conservation, education and continue to be a bustling tourism destination for our regional and rural communities".
As stated by Member for Southern Metropolitan John Berger
"Botanical gardens provide free accessible spaces for communities and tourists to enjoy and reconnect with nature while helping to preserve our unique native plants."
As stated by Cassandra Nichols CEO Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ)
"These grants have been a game-changer for Victorian botanic gardens supporting new projects and essential upgrades. Growing and maintaining our gardens so they boost visitation and community connection to nature is essential. BGANZ is proud to see these gardens flourish, thanks to this incredible investment."
