Annual Report 2010-2011 (PDF - 2.47 mb) - Royal Botanic Gardens ...
Annual Report 2010-2011 (PDF - 2.47 mb) - Royal Botanic Gardens ...
Annual Report 2010-2011 (PDF - 2.47 mb) - Royal Botanic Gardens ...
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Contents<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Chairman’s Foreword<br />
As an organisation that prides itself on its achievements and values, performance in delivering plans and projects, and the<br />
credibility of the expert knowledge of its staff, it is fair to say that the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>’ greatest asset is its reputation.<br />
Our success at the <strong>Royal</strong> Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in May <strong>2011</strong> saw this reputation enhanced on the world<br />
stage. The gold medal-winning Show Garden, inspired by the Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne, showcased the beauty<br />
and diversity of Australian flora to visitors from all over the world and marked the Australian Garden as a ‘must-see’ on<br />
Australian travel itineraries for many years to come.<br />
As we work towards the opening of the second and final stage of the Australian Garden in mid-2012, this recognition<br />
becomes invaluable. Extensive progress was made on this landmark project during the year, with progressive handover of<br />
completed construction areas allowing for planting to follow swiftly behind. As a result, planting was completed in two-thirds<br />
of the Forest Garden, the Gondwana Garden, and in the Gibson Hill and Howson Hill precincts. In addition, refurbishment of<br />
the Red Sand Garden was completed. The development and acceptance of the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>’ business case to<br />
permanently remove the entry fees to the Australian Garden was a highlight. Thanks to increased funding from the Victorian<br />
Government, free entry to the Australian Garden will become effective at the beginning of the <strong>2011</strong>–12 financial year.<br />
Work continued on the Working Wetlands project, with commencement of the construction of wetlands in the RBG Melbourne<br />
lake system and the completion of one of two stormwater diversion systems. Funding from the Commonwealth Government<br />
was secured for Working Wetlands Part B, which will see RBG Melbourne move significantly closer to its goal of using lake<br />
water, rather than potable water, for irrigation.<br />
Horticultural practices continued to focus on clever use of resources as we face uncertain climate patterns. Horticulture staff<br />
developed the innovative concept of ‘banking’ water in deeper levels of the soil, which will improve the health of trees in drought<br />
and maximise water-uptake efficiency, and a Melbourne <strong>Gardens</strong> Division staff me<strong>mb</strong>er was invited to share the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong><br />
<strong>Gardens</strong>’ expertise at an Urban Irrigation Masterclass run by the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) for Irrigation Futures.<br />
The specialised knowledge of ARCUE continued to be highly sought after, with ARCUE earning over $897,000 for 24<br />
commercial projects and nearing its specified goal of generating half of its income from commercial sources.<br />
The completion of the Herbarium Discovery Walk encouraged visitors to engage with the vital work of the Herbarium. In<br />
conjunction with Information Services branch staff, Herbarium staff completed the changeover from its existing database,<br />
MELISR, to Specify, a new platform. The Herbarium is the first in Australia to implement Specify and <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>’ staff<br />
have shared their expert knowledge at workshops with kindred organisations since successfully completing its implementation.<br />
Community engagement continued to be a focus, with Public Programs branches at both sites managing successful<br />
community events in conjunction with the City of Casey, South East Water Limited., and Playgroup Victoria.<br />
At a corporate level, the last year of the Corporate Plan for 2008–<strong>2011</strong> saw many major goals achieved. The new four-year<br />
Corporate Plan for <strong>2011</strong>–2015 brings the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong> into line with the new four-year terms of government in<br />
Victoria. A new Enterprise Agreement was agreed and will come into effect from August <strong>2011</strong>. The new Environmental<br />
Stewardship Policy replaced the 2002 Policy for Conservation of Plant Biodiversity, recognising the growth in the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>’ capacity to contribute to a sustainable future.<br />
As Chairman of the Board, I thank Dr Moors and his management team, and the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>’ staff, volunteers,<br />
donors and supporters for the outstanding commitment they bring to this work. In this regard, I also thank my fellow Board<br />
Me<strong>mb</strong>ers for their efforts and support in delivering another successful year in the life of the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong>.<br />
In accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, I am pleased to present the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong> Board Victoria’s<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> for the year ending 30 June <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
Elaine Canty<br />
Chairman<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Botanic</strong> <strong>Gardens</strong> Board Victoria<br />
16 August <strong>2011</strong><br />
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