One of the Wellington region’s true hidden gems is set to pivot in a new direction with some assistance from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
The Burrendong Arboretum has been granted $96,136 to upgrade its glasshouse, a key facility in the propagation of plants.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said the project will greatly assist the organisation as it takes a bit of a new direction into the future.
“The Arboretum has always had a role to play in preserving some of Australia’s unique flora,” Mr Saunders said.
“However, as a bit of a niche tourist attraction, it has sometimes struggled due to its isolated location.
“The new board is excited for the Arboretum to play an even larger role in securing the future of Australia’s endangered native plant species, and I’m proud the government can help support this new vision.”
Manager Mike Herbert said the funding was a great early birthday present for the Arboretum, which will soon turn 60.
“We want to increase our production, so we can look at those very endangered species and get more of them out into the general population,” Mr Herbert said.
“Our isolation works in our favour because we can isolate a population of a very endangered plant and keep it safe.”