CCTV cameras, spotlight sensors and gates are part of a security upgrade at the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan.
The federal government has announced the security infrastructure project at the largest botanical gardens in Australia will share in $9.4 million of grant funding through the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund.
The $250,000 grant will be spent on ramping up security around the 600 acre site.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant which will enable us to enhance our security at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, which is imperative in protecting our gardens,” says Denise Ora, the chief executive of the Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust.
“The protection of our incredible gardens and our living collections ensures this incredible place can be enjoyed by the community for generations to come,’’ Ms Ora said.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has also welcomed the $250,000 funding for the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan to improve security onsite.
Mr Taylor said the botanic gardens would be safer with these security enhancements, including CCTV cameras, security gates and spotlight sensors.
“This security infrastructure will help ensure people in the community feel safe and also deter further criminal behaviour,” Mr Taylor said.
The Safer Communities Fund is a long-standing program that has committed more than $215 million since 2016 and provided over 600 grants directly to local communities.
The Safer Communities funding enables schools, pre-schools, places of religious worship, community organisations and local councils to enhance their security through the installation of infrastructure such as fencing and gates, video surveillance, alarm systems, and the use of security guards.
Apart from the disgraceful damage to the Stolen Generations sculpture, what other incidents have happened there? Is this a way for the government to try out surveillance of the population? The Gardens need to be wary. People go there to enjoy the space not to be spied on!