Australian National Botanic Gardens Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants
		GPO Box 1777 Canberra ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA	Telephone (02) 6250 9546 Facsimile (02) 62509599 Media enquiries: Lucy Sutherland: 02 6250 9473

MEDIA RELEASE

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF THE
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

7 January 2009

Australians are invited to have their say on the way the Australian National Botanic Gardens will be managed over the next 10 years.

A new management plan is about to be developed for the Gardens and seeking community input is the first step.

“We welcome people with an interest and passion for the future of the Australian National Botanic Gardens to share their ideas on issues they would like to see addressed,” Gardens Director Anne Duncan said.

“We want the views of the community to help shape the vision and role of this vital institution.

“Since its beginnings, the Australian National Botanic Gardens has led the way as one of the first all-native botanic gardens, focusing on the horticulture and propagation of Australian plants.

“Over time the Gardens has evolved to focus on plant conservation, researching threatened species and restoration in the wild and establishing a seed bank.

“We would like the new plan for our national botanic gardens to reflect the changing needs of Australian society and the new challenges we face, particularly in the face of climate change.”

Comments are being sought on a range of issues including:

• the priorities for the Gardens with respect to climate change and plant conservation
• how to increase and diversify sources of revenue to support the work of the Gardens
• which plants should be maintained and displayed at the Gardens
• what activities and events motivate people to visit the Gardens and what kind of educational activities should be offered
• what kinds of botanical and horticultural science the Gardens should be involved in.

A ‘Have your say’ brochure is available to help people get involved – for a copy visit www.anbg.gov.au/anbg/have-your-say or call the Gardens on (02) 6250 9540.

Comments should be sent in writing by close of business 13 February 2009 by postto

‘Planning Officer, ANBG Management Plan, GPO Box 1777, Canberra, ACT 2601’, by email to anbgplan@anbg.gov.au or by fax to 02 6250 9499.

Once comments have been submitted a draft management plan will be developed and released for public input (this is expected to occur later this year). A final management plan will then be prepared.

For further information about the Australian National Botanic Gardens visit www.anbg.gov.au/anbg

Media contact: Lucy Sutherland 02 6250 9473