Feedback sought on masterplan for future of the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

One of the key new features planned for the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan will be a seven-hectare lake. See what the future holds for the beloved destination.

A vision for the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan is being developed to conserve and guide it for decades to come, and the public is being urged to have their say.

One of the new key features will be Coolamon Lake, a new seven-hectare body of water that nods to the significance of water in Dharug, Dharawal and Gundungurra culture as a place of gathering, celebration and sustenance.

The waterway designed in the shape of a coolamon, a First Nations carrying vessel, is central to the masterplan, with a nature or adventure play space developed to engage children of all ages and abilities.

The concept masterplan proposes a new world-leading living sciences hub focused on conservation and sustainability, and almost 10 kilometres of new walking and cycling paths.

New facilities and areas, like botanic domes, horticultural displays and flora and fauna conservation areas would also be established.

An artist impression shows what the the beloved garden could look like.

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust chief executive Denise Ora said the vision would aim to restore Dharawal country, support the core botanical and scientific functions of the garden and further develop a quality public open space for residents and visitors.

“We want to hear from the community on what they’d like to see for the future of the garden. Options to manage the garden in a more ecologically diverse way opens up the doors to look more broadly at ecological systems of landscapes,” she said.

“With population growth and an increase in site visitation to more than 700,000 during 2021-2022, along with game-changing investment in scientific infrastructure with the new National Herbarium of NSW, the garden is positioned to become an even more iconic place and asset to the growing community.

“The garden is playing an increasingly essential role for NSW, and globally, through the advancement of scientific research, conservation, and education – so it’s important to create a vision to continue and guide its future in this direction.”

Ms Ora said the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has an exciting future for the local community and national and international visitors.

Developed as a farm in the 1800s, the site was officially opened as a botanic garden in 1988.

Public consultation on the masterplan is currently ongoing.

Recent work has transformed areas of the garden through the removal of the invasive species African Olive, and further work will continue into the future to restore the landscape which can be accessed and enjoyed by the population of Western Sydney, as well as domestic and international visitors.

Options to establish flora and fauna conservation areas could provide a safe place for rewilding native animals such as the nocturnal eastern quoll, which has been extinct in mainland Australia for over 50 years.

While beautiful botanic domes could showcase inspiring and engaging displays dedicated to conservation, horticulture, education and science of native Australian flora.

Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has an exciting future for locals and visitors alike, and the community’s input was critical to help shape its future.

“People are looking more and more for experiences that connect them to nature, and we have an incredible opportunity to showcase Australia’s unique flora and fauna right here in Mount Annan,” he said.

“From scientists to school kids, the concept masterplan offers something for everyone, from botanical domes and horticultural displays to new adventure and play spaces and Indigenous gardens and knowledge hubs.”

“The area surrounding Mount Annan was and still is a significant meeting place for Aboriginal peoples, so cultural heritage and Aboriginal history must be integral in the garden’s future masterplan,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust will begin consultation on the concept masterplan this week. To find out more, visit australianbotanicgarden.com.au.