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Australian National Botanic Gardens
Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants

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GPO Box 1777
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA

Telephone (02) 6250 9546
Facsimile (02) 62509599
Media enquiries: Paul Ziesing (M) 0418 955 661

NEWS RELEASE

Gary Humphries welcomes $4 million Production Nursery at the Botanic Gardens

Senator Gary Humphries opened the new production nursery at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Friday 18 June, at 10.00am. The nursery cost $4 million and will enable the efficient production of up to 40,000 plants per year, including many rare and endangered native species.

"The new nursery is the largest single development project undertaken by the Gardens since opening in 1970" said Senator Humphries. "The project included extensive staff consultation and was designed and constructed by two Canberra firms - Gutteridge Haskins & Davey Pty Ltd and Binutti Construction Pty Ltd".

The project is a leader in modern nursery design and incorporates modern plant and equipment, environmental efficiency, water recycling and composting toilets to minimise water use and waste management. The modern design will allow for the efficient production of up to 40,000 plants per year.

The design makes use of the natural slope on the eastern end of the site by incorporating a lower floor area to house vehicles, bulk materials, a water recycling plant and incidental storage space. The incorporation of the lower floor area has provided more space for the layout of the main nursery facilities on the platform at ground level.

The new nursery is sited on the northern edge of the gardens, close to road access and well away from major public use areas. The original nursery site, adjacent to the Eucalypt Lawn in the centre of the Gardens, had serious structural, safety and efficiency problems. It will eventually be redeveloped for public access.

Visit web sites: New Production Nursery and New Nursery Fact Sheet

Media contact: Paul Ziesing
Communications Officer
(02) 6250 9546
0418 955 661
paul.ziesing@deh.gov.au

18 June 2004