Grant to grow wombat hill botanic gardens

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $2.42 million in 26 botanic gardens through the Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens grants program with Wombat Hill Botanic Garden receiving a $22,647 grant.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the grants are part of a $4 million, two-year program delivering on the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment to upgrade the state’s botanic gardens.

The funding will be used for the development of a Collections Policy will guide a botanical labelling project and a pilot planting project that will trial new species as recommended by the policy.

The project will enable the garden to fulfil its scientific botanic role and provide a model for education and learning about the role of botanic gardens in the future.

The first round of grant funding invested $1.48 million in projects at 17 of Victoria’s botanic gardens in 2019.

Most of the gardens to receive funding in the grants program’s second round are located in rural and regional Victoria where they make a significant contribution to the local tourism industry.

Round 2 Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens grant recipients will use the funding to deliver a range of upgrades that will improve water supply, address climate change, encourage education and community collaboration and improvement management.

Victoria’s botanic gardens provide beautiful places for people to visit and relax as well as protecting plants and ecosystems and offering valuable scientific and educational opportunities.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
"Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is well loved by locals and visitors alike and this funding will help to make it an even better experience for everyone."

"This government’s investment in Victoria’s botanic gardens supports our wide-ranging efforts to conserve our precious native plants and animals."

"2020 has reminded many Victorians of just how important nature is for our health and wellbeing. Our continuing investment in botanic gardens across the state supports that."