THE Australian Garden is set for an extension after opening in May … but only if Labor is re-elected.
The State Government last week announced it would provide $21 million for the construction of a 10-hectare extension to the Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne if it stayed in power.
The first public garden of its size to open in 150 years, the Australian Garden was met with awe and astonishment when it opened this year.
The first stage contains more than 100,000 Australian plants and trees in 15 different settings and showcases the Australian landscape – with areas representing desert, dry river beds, arid areas and eucalypts.
Environment Minister John Thwaites made the promise in Cranbourne last Thursday.
Mr Thwaites said construction of Stage Two of the Australian Garden would enhance the landscape, horticultural and educational components of the garden, as well as deliver a new family recreation area.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said creating the family recreation zone would encourage more families to visit the site and provide increased open-space recreation areas in the south-east.
“The gardens provide an opportunity to relax, and enjoy the wonderful native plants, as well as learn what you can do with sustainable plants in your own garden,” Mr Perera said.
Hastings MP Rosy Buchanan said the recreation area would expand an existing picnic area as well as provide the south-east of Melbourne with its own international-standard botanic gardens for locals to enjoy.
Mr Thwaites said the Australian Garden had brought new jobs to the region and was becoming a major new tourist attraction for the City of Casey.
“The benefits are far reaching with tourists bringing business for petrol stations, cafes and local suppliers. The Australian Garden adds to the Australian experience for tourists seeing the wildlife at Phillip Island,” Mr Thwaites said.
People can visit the 363-hectare Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens at Ballarto Rd, Cranbourne.
