The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan will undergo a $200 million transformation as part of the NSW Coalition Government’s $5 billion Westinvest fund.
Under a master plan being prepared by The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, new features will include biodome greenhouses, lakes precinct, native farm and first nations garden, entertainment and event space and trails and active transport connections.
The funding of $200m is from WestInvest so is not contingent on the election result.
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said it was a major win for the people of South Western Sydney.
“The Australian Botanic Garden is such an important public space for the people of Camden and this investment will make it even better, catering for the needs of our growing population and playing a vital role preserving precious plant species,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
“The new Coolamon Lake water feature will become a major drawcard, there will be spaces for people to relax and gather with friends and family, bike tracks, running loops, nature-based play spaces, and natural bushland areas.
“The Garden will become a major entertainment hub with a new series of event spaces to cater for world class events to attract national and international talent.”
Minister for infrastructure, cities and active transport Rob Stokes said new biodome greenhouses will provide a new attraction to expand and display a broader range of Australian plant diversity at the Garden and for scientific research purposes.
“We’re putting the park in the heart of the parkland city. Eastern Sydney has its harbour and beaches, Parramatta has its rivers and creeks, and Western Sydney will be defined by freshwater lakes and verdant parklands,” Mr Stokes said.
“WestInvest quite literally uses a motorway to fund a greenway, delivering a legacy of parks, paths and playgrounds for Western Sydney families to enjoy.
“The new biodomes will complement the Garden’s existing world class science facilities, including the award-winning Australian PlantBank and the new National Herbarium of NSW which is home to over one million plant specimens.”
Check out The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Master Plan for the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan here.
The one thing missing,which would bring more visitors, is a decent restaurant. Some people would enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat after they had toured the gardens. I have often looked to go to the gardens to just enjoy an outing and a sit down cuppa with friends.
There is a proper café open there now.