Annual Report 2010-2011 (PDF - 2.47 mb) - Royal Botanic Gardens ...

Contents
Our Organisation
RBG Melbourne extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of over 10,000
species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections
such as camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, Californian species,
herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the recently-established
Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia.
Visitor numbers
Table 2: Visitor numbers
RBG Cranbourne
General visitors 52,866
Australian Garden visitors* 31,221
84,087
RBG Melbourne 1,542,399
* Records adult and concession entry, children,
City of Casey residents and students. Figures
do not include guests, companions or Royal
Botanic Gardens’ RB
Figure 1: RBG Melbourne
& RBG Cranbourne
1,800,000
1,500,000
1,200,000
900,000
600,000
300,000
0
Melbourne
1,619,695
2009–10
1,542,399 2010–11
Cranbourne
90,151
2009–10
84,087 2010–11
Water management in the face of climate change presents a challenge to managing
this heritage-listed site. The Working Wetlands project has continued with construction
of Working Wetlands Part A and achievement of funding for Working Wetlands Part B
from the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population
and Communities. Ultimately, RBG Melbourne aims to achieve a sustainable irrigation
water source that does not rely on the use of mains water.
As one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions and just a short walk from the
CBD, 1,542,399 visitors enjoyed RBG Melbourne in 2010–11. Visitor services and
facilities include guided walks, interpretive signs, a visitor centre, two cafés and a retail
outlet – The Gardens Shop. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden remains
popular with children and attracted an estimated 184,814 visitors, including over
25,000 students, representing a 1.15 per cent increase over the previous year.
The new Herbarium Discovery Walk was completed and opened in July 2010, and
has proved a popular interpretive display, explaining to visitors the working life of the
Herbarium and providing insights into the scientific achievements and importance of
this institution.
National Herbarium of Victoria
The National Herbarium of Victoria, founded in 1853 and located at RBG Melbourne,
is the Victorian Government’s major centre for botanical studies in plant identification,
collection and classification.
The Herbarium houses the State Botanical Collection, an irreplaceable resource of
approximately 1.2 million dried specimens of plants, fungi and algae from Australia
and many other countries. It is one of the most historically significant collections in
the world and is used by Herbarium staff and visiting botanists for scientific research.
Research areas include biodiversity, classification, evolution, biogeography, molecular
systematics, conservation and horticulture.
In addition, the State Botanical Collection contains the oldest and most
comprehensive botanical library in Australia. Current work at the Herbarium is directed
by the Plant Sciences and Biodiversity Division Master Plan 2008–2012, which
addresses three main research themes: Victoria’s biodiversity, including documenting
and conserving our flora; the origin of the Australian biota, including the evolutionary
history and relationship of Australian plant groups; and Biodiversity Services, including
the provision of an Identification and Information Service.
ARCUE
ARCUE was created in 1998 to increase understanding of the ecology, restoration and
management of biodiversity in urban and suburban areas throughout Australia and the world.
ARCUE’s activities encompass basic and applied research; undergraduate, honours and
postgraduate training; long-term ecological studies; community education; policy and
management advice to all levels of government; and consultancy services. In addition, ARCUE
works closely with the School of Botany at The University of Melbourne (where it is located),
and with the research and education programs of RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne.
ARCUE continues to increase its environmental business activities in support of its
research objectives.
Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2010–11 page 9