The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust Annu al Report 2010–2011
Contents
Letter to the Minister 3 Section 1 Performance Snapshot 6 Chair & Executive Director’s Report 7 Our Organisation 9 Delivering our Services 10 Section 2 Achievements 14 Section 3 Community Support 24 Corporate Governance 34 Appendices 40 Section 4 Financial Statements 64
Annual Report 2010–11 1 2 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Letter to the Minister
The Hon. Robyn Parker, MP Minister for the Environment Parliament House, SYDNEY 2000
Dear Minister
I have great pleasure in presenting the 2010–11 Annual Report of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust for presentation to Parliament.
This report covers in full the Trust’s activities and Statement of Accounts in accordance with the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980, the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulations 2010.
Yours sincerely
Greg Martin Dr Brett Summerell Chairperson Acting Executive Director The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Annual Report 2010–11 3 On 13 June Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden celebrated 195 years. It was on this day in 1816 that Governor Lachlan Macquarie pronounced the land on the edge of Farm Cove as Sydney’s Botanic Garden. As we head towards our Bicentenary in 2016, we asked our friends and supporters to share their thoughts and wishes for our Gardens for the next 200 years. We’d like to now share these with you ...
My wish for the future of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney on the occasion of its 195th Birthday is that this haven of beauty and serenity on the Harbour will endure across the centuries, welcoming birds, children and families, solitary walkers, artists and international visitors. And most certainly I would wish that the traditional custodians of this ancient shore will continue to share their living culture with us all, in the Woggan-ma-gule Ceremony each Australia Day morning as they have in past years.
– Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW
I wish that in 200 hundred years time there will be dancers of The Australian Ballet relaxing in the Royal Botanic Gardens taking inspiration from those magical surroundings into the Sydney Opera House for their nightly performances as we have done since the opening of the SOH in 1973!!!
– David McAllister AM, Artistic Director, The Australian Ballet
My wish for the Royal Botanic Garden is that it will help people to develop knowledge and understanding of biodiversity within the natural environment. I hope the Gardens will continue to provide wonderful open spaces for people of all ages and special needs.
– Jeff Fatt (Purple Wiggle) Section 1 Performance Snapshot Chair & Executive Director’s Report Our Organisation Delivering our Services
Performance Snapshot
Revenue 2010–11 Grants, Donations Other $51.8 million State Government Capital Funding & Contributions Revenue
38% 16% 3% 15% 23% 5%
State Government Recurrent Funding Crown Grants Sales of Goods & Services
Units 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 2006–07
Financial1 Government Contribution State Government $’000 19,914 19,090 18,105 17,781 17,379 Recurrent Funding State Government Capital Funding $’000 8,274 2,860 2,635 3,695 5,476 Crown Grants $’000 1,574 1,966 1,641 1,308 1,272 Own earned revenue Grants, Donations & Contributions $’000 7,651 2,529 3,861 2,573 1,881 Sales of Goods & Services2 $’000 11,680 11,258 7,312 7,289 7,812 Other Revenue3 $’000 2,678 2,706 6,035 5,116 1,773 Total Revenue $’000 51,771 40,409 39,589 37,762 35,593 Total Expenses $’000 (43,019) (41,641) (40,386) (38,577) (34,184) Surplus/(Deficit) $’000 8,752 (1,232) (797) (815) 1,409
Plant biodiversity & habitats understood, protected & restored Grant-funded research projects no. 21 19 18 27 20 Species described or reassessed no. 47 64 31 82 30 Peer-reviewed scientific publications, no. 122 152 189 178 183 general articles & presentations
The community values plants & cultural heritage Participants in school & public no. 80,711 75,964 65,786 69,507 62,805 education programs Volunteers contributing to no. 627 697 694 611 575 Trust programs Total visits to Trust website no. 562,188 582,620 858,878 862,629 638,092 Visitors to Trust estates satisfied with % 97 94 94 91 90 facilities, services & programs
Increased participation & integration in community activities Visits to: The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney no. 3,657,284 3,854,750 3,456,129 3,621,925 3,453,927 The Australian Botanic Garden, no. 116,168 84,509 88,777 100,410 94,873 Mount Annan The Blue Mountains Botanic no. 75,044 70,031 69,772 69,990 78,285 Garden, Mount Tomah People using the Domain for booked no. 65,379 72,732 89,755 71,194 95,923 sports activities Attendees at public events: The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney no. 378,618 419,717 514,004 425,020 440,880 The Australian Botanic Garden, no. 21,428 16,207 14,293 18,525 17,500 Mount Annan The Blue Mountains Botanic no. 46,295 24,384 15,850 12,856 11,500 Garden, Mount Tomah
Notes 1 Financial information and data included in this section has not been subject to audit 2 ‘Sales of Goods & Services’ (2010–11) includes investment revenue 3 Other Revenue (2010–11) includes insurance recoveries, cost recovery and infringements
6 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Chair & Executive Director’s Report
The past 12 months have been a time of significant change for the Trust. New events, art, people, discoveries and facilities are highlighted throughout this year’s report. Each change represents an important node as we chart our growth and evolution as an organisation that needs to remain relevant and ensure it has a role to play in our local communities, as well as nationally and internationally.
Of particular note was the renaming of our botanic estates and the revitalisation of the organisation’s visual identity. These changes reposition the Trust as the custodian of three strong and distinctly different destinations, while building on our reputation as a leading scientific, educational and conservation institution.
Each estate name was chosen to better articulate Acting Executive Director Dr Brett Summerell with Dorothy the unique botanic experiences at each garden and to the Dinosaur, Fairy Clare and Jeff Fatt at 195th birthday attract a new audience to be inspired by the plants and celebrations for The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney landscapes that we nurture. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain are now one under a small but significant Garden, Mount Tomah. This name strongly positions change that sees the entire estate renamed the Royal the garden to attract the many international tourists Botanic Garden, Sydney. This inclusion of the Domain who already visit the Greater Blue Mountains each year, with the Botanic Garden strengthens the relationship while retaining a strong sense of place and connection between the two precincts and better identifies the with Mount Tomah’s Darug heritage. Domain as part of Trust lands. The revised nomenclature, along with the new The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan look and feel, was introduced through the inaugural was named to capture the existing native plant Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of the Arts, held over experience and to extend this to express Australian March and April this year. Autumn of the Arts invited culture and horticulture. This is evident in the stories people to rediscover our botanic gardens as a living being told through the continuing development of artwork, gallery, stage and studio through a diary of the Connections Garden, and the growing suite of cultural events that featured music, sketching, theatre, community events staged at the Australian Botanic exhibitions, walks and workshops at all three estates. Garden. As we embark upon the next 12 months, Mount Annan’s new Narellan Road entrance is about Another significant event during the year was the to open, inviting the horde of commuters that drives official launch of the Botanic Bicentenary fundraising past each day to stop and visit this unique place. campaign. As patrons of the proposed Sydney This, together with the removal of entrance fees, will Children’s Garden, the Wiggles’ Jeff Fatt, Dorothy the strengthen Mount Annan’s position as the region’s Dinosaur and Fairy Clare shared their birthday wishes leading tourist destination. Construction of PlantBank for the Trust with hundreds of families at a very wet will also begin shortly, which will further cement the 195th birthday party in the Royal Botanic Garden. Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan as the centre The celebrations, which also took place at Mount for the research and conservation of Australian plants. Annan and Mount Tomah estates, were a first step to reinvigorating community interest in and connections to We ended last year with the opening of the Greater our botanic gardens in the lead up to 2016. Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre at Mount Tomah. This stunning facility is now the Discussion of discoveries and connections must focal point for new landscapes and connections also mention our science, conservation and education through the Garden that capture the essence of the programs. The percentage of NSW threatened species surrounding environment by using unique local plants represented in our seedbank collection is growing while and stonework features. This experience is celebrated new species continue to be described through research
RBG&DT in the estate’s new name: The Blue Mountains Botanic undertaken by Trust scientists. The number of people
Annual Report 2010–11 7 engaged in education and public programs is the highest it has been in over five years, and rising.
Finally, after seven years at the helm, we farewell outgoing Executive Director, Dr Tim Entwisle. Prior to being Executive Director, Tim was a scientist and senior manager at the Trust for nearly 20 years, and a well respected science communicator and promoter of plants and science as well as the organisation. Tim relocated to London in April to take up the position of Director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
We welcome Professor David J. Mabberley as the Trust’s new Executive Director. Coming from his previous position as Keeper of the Herbarium, Library, Art and Archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Professor Mabberley brings a breadth of experience and internationally recognised expertise to the Trust that will be invaluable in the lead up to the bicentenary and beyond.
On behalf of the Trust, thank you to our staff, volunteers, Friends, benefactors and sponsors for your continued dedication and support, which is truly appreciated. We would also like to acknowledge the direct and in-kind contributions, including the time and expertise, of the Trust to the fundraising efforts of the Foundation for our bicentenary programs. Together we are all contributing to changes every day that help our botanic gardens to evolve and remain relevant as the Trust continues to redefine itself and strengthen its role in the region and internationally.
Greg Martin Chair, The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Dr Brett Summerell Acting Executive Director
8 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Our Organisation
The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust V alues (the Trust) is a statutory body established by the In all that we do, we value: Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980. The legislation defines the objectives, powers and • Our natural and cultural environment functions of the Trust and vests certain land and • Advancing, disseminating and using knowledge property in the Trust. • A safe, healthy and fulfilling workplace • Excellence The Trust is responsible for the management and • Innovation and initiative stewardship of the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney; the • Achieving more through partnerships. Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan; the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah; the National The Trust acknowledges the traditional custodians of Herbarium of New South Wales and the New South Trust lands — the Cadigal, Darug and D’harawal — and Wales Seedbank. recognises the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal people of these lands. The Trust also undertakes and provides scientific and horticultural research, together with advice and Estates education on botany, horticulture and biodiversity. The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is an oasis in the heart of the city, comprising 30 hectares of magnificent On 4 April 2011, new administrative arrangements landscaped Botanic Garden fronting Sydney Harbour, for the NSW public service transferred most of the and 28 hectares of urban parklands – known as the functions of the former Department of Environment, Domain – on the eastern edge of the central business Climate Change and Water to the new Office of district. Both the Garden and Domain are endowed with Environment and Heritage, as a division of the NSW significant natural and cultural heritage values, and are Department of Premier and Cabinet. Trust staff are used for sport, recreation, tourism and special events. employed by the Office of Environment and Heritage. The Board of the Trust reports directly to the Minister The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan for the Environment and has responsibility for all Trust displays the enormous diversity of our native flora. assets and programs. Covering over 400 hectares between Camden and Campbelltown in Sydney’s south-west, it is Australia’s Mission largest botanic garden. Its horticultural displays contrast To inspire the appreciation and conservation of with natural areas of remnant Cumberland Plain plants. Woodland, while the location and undulation make it ideal for recreation. Objectives The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980 The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah defines the Trust’s objectives as to: features 28 hectares of display gardens that include one of the world’s finest collections of cool-climate • maintain and improve Trust lands, the National plants. This beautifully manicured botanic collection Herbarium of New South Wales and the sits adjacent to 10 hectares of pristine warm temperate collections of living and preserved plant life rainforest within a 33 hectare heritage property ‘The owned by the Trust Jungle’, and a 189 hectare conservation area. It is the • increase and disseminate knowledge about the natural gateway to the Greater Blue Mountains World plant life of Australia, and of New South Wales Heritage Area. in particular • encourage the public use and enjoyment of Trust lands by promoting and increasing the educational, historical, cultural and recreational value of these lands.
When acting in pursuance of its Objects, the Trust is required to give particular emphasis to encouraging and advancing the study of systematic botany, and to plant conservation.
Annual Report 2010–11 9 Delivering our Services
The major priorities for the Trust include: Contributing to these results, the Trust’s key services are:
• advancing knowledge and understanding of • carrying out botanical research, managing plant biodiversity, horticulture and conservation scientific collections and running public programs • delivering a wide range of targeted school • providing horticultural displays and collections, and community education programs, including facilitating events and encouraging recreation. programs for regional and disadvantaged communities New South Wales State Plan • managing and developing the horticultural The NSW State Plan – Investing in a better future – was displays and the living collection of plants at the the State Government’s long- term plan for service Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney; the Australian delivery in NSW. During 2010–11 the Trust contributed Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, and the Blue to the former Department of Environment, Climate Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Change and Water’s lead agency role: • maintaining and developing all sites to accommodate multiple uses including • tackling climate change recreation, relaxation, celebration, events, • protecting native vegetation, biodiversity, land, education and the promotion of conservation rivers and coastal waterways. • managing and developing viable commercial businesses and hosting externally operated The Trust also contributed to the delivery of State commercial services to maximise and diversify priorities to: the Trust’s revenue base • developing and promoting infrastructure and • promote parks research projects, for funding or co-funding • increase participation in recreational and by benefactors or sponsorship for the Trust’s sporting activities bicentenary in 2016. • increase participation in the arts and cultural activities Results & Services • increase volunteering Trust performance is measured through key indicators • increase access to knowledge and skills in linked to its Results and Services Plan, a whole of partnership with universities Government initiative to better link corporate outcomes • strengthen Aboriginal communities. with Government. The Plan provides information on the Trust’s performance to the Minister and Treasury, Global Strategy for Plant Conservation particularly the results being achieved with the funding The Trust is committed to contributing to the targets the Trust receives. set in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, which provides a framework for plant conservation actions The Results and Services Plan also identifies the at global, regional, national and local levels. These Trust’s service delivery priorities. The Trust contributes include: to the conservation of natural and cultural values, and works to ensure local communities and tourists are able • understanding and documenting plant diversity to access and benefit from urban green spaces, by • conserving plant diversity working towards the following results: • using plant diversity sustainably • promoting education and awareness about • Plant diversity and plant habitats are plant diversity. understood, protected and restored • The community values plants and cultural A summary of the Trust’s activities against these heritage targets is provided in Appendix A. • Participation and integration in community activities are increased.
10 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Map of the Sydney region
Annual Report 2010–11 11 My wish for the Royal Botanic Gardens is simple – that future generations continue to enjoy and be inspired by what are without doubt the most beautiful gardens in the world, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
We are lucky to have three Botanic Gardens in our city, each unique and remarkably beautiful. I am proud that one of my first acts as Premier has been to make the Botanic Gardens at Mount Tomah and Mount Annan in Western Sydney free for all visitors – bringing them into line with the Royal Botanic Gardens. The three Gardens are owned by the community and should be enjoyed free of charge.
While our city and society may change in ways we can’t imagine over the next 200 years, I’d like to think that our three Botanic Gardens will remain untouched, that families and visitors to Sydney continue to flock to their beautiful surrounds to relax, learn about nature and be inspired by their natural beauty.
– Barry O’Farrell MP, Premier
My wish is that Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens fulfils the dreams of the Macquaries, embodies the spirit of Sir Joseph Banks, and meets the aspirations and needs of modern Sydney. And much more! From one fine old Royal botanic garden to another...enjoy the day, and the next 205 years!
– Dr Tim Entwisle
I wish Australians might appreciate more fully the unique beauty and fragility of our natural environment, and their responsibility to protect our flora and fauna.
– John Bell, Artistic Director, Bell Shakespeare
My wish is that the gardens under the aegis of the Botanic Gardens Trust will be world-leaders in helping the people understand, value and appreciate the plant world which is crucial to the survival of our species.
– Professor David J. Mabberley Section 2 Achievements Achievements
The Fernery at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Understanding, protecting & was improved with over 70 new specimens, including restoring plant biodiversity 44 new species and 25 previously lost to the collection. Many accessions previously identified only to genus & habitats are now determined to species level and have been correctly labelled and added to the EMu database. At the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah 40 Conservation collections well-managed species of Erica were added to the heather and heath & accessible collection.
Key Performance Indicators Accurate & timely scientific information 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 disseminated to Government, professionals & the community Acquisitions to 4,230 5,650 4,565 5,805 the Herbarium Key Performance Indicators Herbarium 7,964 11,366 9,499 74,387 specimens 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 databased Peer reviewed 122 152 189 178 Accessions of NSW 446 402 377 338 scientific threatened species publications, in the NSW general articles, Seedbank and presentations Citation rates
An infestation of Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium Systematic 1.2 2.0 1.8 1.5 panecium) has affected hundreds of specimens in Botany the National Herbarium of NSW at the Royal Botanic Horticultural 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.0 Garden, Sydney. The beetle eats the dried plant Research material, as well as the paper and adhesive used to Ecology 0.9 0.9 0.6 0.5 mount each specimen, leaving behind black powdery Population 5.8 5.9 5.2 5.9 faeces. Consistent monitoring, treatment and control Genetics have been required to manage the pest and the 2.5 damage it causes, at considerable cost to the Trust. Plant 2.6 2.5 2.2 Pathology/ Mycology With funding from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, the Bicentenary Plant Diversity program fielded collecting expeditions to western NSW, the The departure of several senior scientists during rainforests of northern NSW and alpine regions during the year resulted in a lower than average number the year. Around 160 seed accessions were added to of publications and presentations. The decrease the NSW Seedbank, including threatened species and reflects less publications and presentations for general representatives new to the collection. A further 60 audiences rather than peer-reviewed scientific articles. collections were added to the Herbarium, as well as live These remain a priority for the science program as they material for DNA analysis and horticultural purposes. provide a vehicle for verifying the quality of research and strengthen funding applications for further work. Implementation of PlantBank began this year with Citation rates for research in systematic botany were the appointment of an external project manager and also affected; however, the appointment of two new engagement of the lead design team. Schematic and botanists should improve both publication and citation concept designs were completed for submission of a rates in the forthcoming year. development application, which will be assessed by a Joint Regional Planning Panel. Interpretive consultants The Botanical Information Service was contacted were contracted to lead the development of messages by the NSW Food Authority to identify seed being and designs that will be incorporated into the finished marketed as a slimming agent. Staff observed building. Works are expected to be completed by morphological anomalies in the seed, which was being November 2012. sold as that of the candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana). Gene sequencing definitively showed the seed to be
14 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Systematic botanist Dr Nathalie Nagalingum worked with horticulturalist Maureen Phelan to update information on ferns in the Sydney Fernery – Cyathea rebbecae
from a different family, potentially the toxic Yellow vegetative spread and mutations of itself. The work Oleander (Thevetia peruviana), and it was withdrawn helps scientists understand how plants can adapt to a from the market as a result. changing climate, although it is not a solution to other threatening processes such as land clearing. Scientific staff were involved in the national and state response to the spread of Myrtle Rust, a disease caused Dr Rossetto also completed a collaborative study by the fungus Uredo rangelii that affects many species with Trust scientists Katie Thurlby, Dr Cathy Offord, in the important Myrtaceae family – more details are Chris Allen and Dr Peter Weston. The project integrated included in Appendix A. The Plant Disease Diagnostic a range of analytical approaches to define distinct Unit also worked closely with horticultural managers at lineages in the Waratah (Telopea spp.). It found that all three of the Trust’s estates to develop protocols for species and populations can be strongly differentiated managing Myrtle Rust in the Botanic Gardens. when they are geographically separated, but that lineages that have adapted to different habitats can Fostering & delivering scientific innovation in hybridise when overlaps in their range occur. plant sciences The loss of senior scientists had a negative impact Key Performance Indicators on the number of species described or reassessed 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 compared to last year’s result, which was also inflated by the completion and publication of several major Grant-funded 21 19 18 27 research projects projects.
Species described 47 64 31 82 or reassessed
m Research published by botanists Marlien van der Merwe u and Maurizio Rossetto, with Brisbane-based flora ecologist Chris Spain, demonstrated the specialised agaling
N adaptive potential of isolated plant populations. A year-long study of a new species of Erythroxylum athalie in the Northern Territory showed that the plant was N r
D able to adapt and survive for a long period of time by
Annual Report 2010–11 15 Community education officers also developed Promoting the importance new themed programs, such National Science Week of plants in natural & cultural activities that focused on the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010. The official launch of Science landscapes Week in the Rose Garden at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney was attended by dignitaries, scientists and some 100 school students who participated in a quest High quality school education & public to identify as many species as possible around the programs delivered on & off site Botanic Garden. Over 1,100 visitors also took part in tours, demonstrations and other activities at an Open Key Performance Indicators Day at the National Herbarium of NSW.
2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 School programs across all three Trust estates are informed by the NSW and national curricula while Participants 80,711 75,964 65,786 69,507 in school and being adaptable to local needs. Over the year this public education included trialling the use of smart phone technology programs in a program developed with the NSW Department of Volunteers 627 697 694 611 Education and Training at the Royal Botanic Garden, contributing to Sydney; structuring senior biology lessons on local Trust programs ecosystems around the Cumberland Plain Woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, The breadth and reach of the Trust’s school and public and workshops on native plant propagation and education programs has steadily increased over sustainability conducted by education staff from the the past few years, due in part to the appointment Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah for the of new permanent officers, which has allowed the NSW and ACT science assistants’ annual conference. development and delivery of new programs. The success of the pre-school DandyLions program, now in Volunteers continue to play an important role its second year, is evidence of this. In late 2010 average in the delivery of education and visitor programs. attendance reached capacity, requiring the addition of Regular tours of each estate conducted by volunteer an afternoon session and improved booking systems. guides provide an intimate experience for visitors, in addition to the monthly theme walks and specialty tours for groups such as garden clubs and mental health patients. The drop in the number of volunteers this year has been partially attributed to the financial climate, as people who may have volunteered in the past are now seeking paid work instead. More details on the contribution of volunteers are included under Community Support.
Partnership education programs in the urban & regional environment
Key Performance Indicators
2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08
Participants in 20,179 17,179 9,117 3,945 Community Greening programs
The Trust’s partnership program with Housing aniel A bORIGINAL education officers (from left to right) Leon Burchill, D Clarence Slockee and Henrietta Baird teach preschool children NSW, Community Greening, celebrated 10 years ophie
in DandyLions about Aboriginal uses for plants in September with the planting of a lemon tree at S
16 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Riverwood Community Garden, attended by dignitaries and sponsors. Free fruit trees and plants were offered Protecting our heritage to the entire network of community gardens to celebrate the anniversary. There now are over 100 Excellence in horticulture & maintenance functioning Community Greening groups and over of built assets & landscapes 100 youth programs involved in the Youth Community Greening network, including almost 70 schools. Key Performance Indicators 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 The suite of Community Greening programs Potable water extended into regional NSW, with officers visiting use (kL): gardens in Tamworth, Moree, Kempsey, Taree, Orange The Royal 96,135 147,852 109,455 86,806 and Wagga Wagga. Community Greening employed Botanic Garden, its first regional coordinator, based in Tamworth since Sydney January. Through the Green Streets program, a local The Australian 18,313 23,548 15,763 14,979 Green Corps group in Moree helped to establish Botanic Garden, a community garden while being guided through Mount Annan a Horticulture Certificate II course. The group also The Blue N/A N/A N/A N/A worked with Moree Botanic Gardens in a riverbank Mountains clean up and bush regeneration program. Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah
The Trust’s two educational partnerships, Eden *All water used at the BMBGMT is captured on-site. Education and the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living at Mount Annan, delivered horticultural and The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney gardening courses and promoted sustainable lifestyles The Middle Gardens and Spring Walk were refreshed to over 5,100 people this year; an increase of 150 per with borders of Begonia semperflorens and B. ‘Dragon cent since last year. The success of Eden Education saw Wings’ during the year, in preparation for the the program replicated in Queensland and Victoria, International Begonia Convention held in the Maiden including a partnership between Eden Gardens and the Theatre in March. The Begonia garden displays 90 Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne. Begonia species and 70 cultivars, including two hybrids (Begonia ‘Titan’ and B. ‘Island Gem’) developed at the The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living worked Royal Botanic Garden by long-time volunteer and with the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan to Begonia expert, Peter Sharp. Mr Sharp received the deliver programs on sustainability, food production and inaugural Ted Williams award at the Convention for Aboriginal culture. This is in addition to the Botanic outstanding services to the study of Begonias in Australia. Garden providing assistance to several local schools with ‘learnscaping’ and developing Aboriginal Cultural Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Gardens within their grounds. Governor of New South Wales, launched a landmark sculpture at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney in The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah March. Wurrungwuri – meaning on this side of the has taken a lead role in developing coordinated water – is a bequest to the city of Sydney from the late education programs for the Greater Blue Mountains Ronald Johnson, and was created by New Zealand World Heritage Education Network. World Heritage born artist Chris Booth. The installation features two values and Waratah conservation were also promoted pieces: an Aboriginal shield design made up of 16,000 through a joint endeavour with the Waratah growers threaded quartz pebbles, and a large sandstone wave- industry and local schools at Mount Tomah. like formation that will be planted with specimens representing Sydney sandstone floral communities.
Sydney recorded its wettest year since 2007 this year, which is reflected in the reduced use of potable water at the Royal Botanic Garden. Irrigation processes on site were reviewed and horticulturalists will be provided with training to reinforce best practice. The current use of potable water for irrigation is the best achievable
Annual Report 2010–11 17 result without additional infrastructure or negative impacts on the living collections.
Significant works to improve roads and pathways through the Domain continued this year. Both Art Gallery Road and Mrs Macquaries Road were reconstructed to improve drainage and reduce the impact of heavy traffic, such as the hundreds of tourist coaches that traverse the loop each day. Over one kilometre of deteriorated water main underneath Mrs Macquaries Road was replaced simultaneously.
Over 3,000 assets across the Trust’s estates were catalogued, described and loaded into a new SAP-based Asset Maintenance Children from Mount Victoria Public School helped to celebrate the launch of Gwuulya Garri Dilya – the Garden for System. Nearly 100 staff were trained in the use of Luaghing Children – at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, the database, which will significantly improve asset Mount Tomah maintenance planning and budget allocation. The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Other asset maintenance included work to restore At the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, the sandstone and replace the roof of Macquarie Lodge; Connections Garden continues to evolve, with new replacement of the fogging system in the montane plantings illustrating the diversity of Australian flora and and lowland sections of the Sydney Tropical Centre; renovations to pathways improving visitor access. In installation of an environmentally friendly ‘Future preparation for changes to road directions associated Wood’ boardwalk through the HSBC Oriental Garden, with the new entrance to the Botanic Garden, garden and construction of a propagation house in the beds were redesigned and planted with perennial nursery. Assessment of the sea wall around Farm Cove displays. The Plants and Habitat theme was enhanced has identified major structural faults that will require with the addition of an Illawarra rainforest collection rectification over the next few years. featuring Maiden’s Blush (Sloanea australis), Christmas Orchid (Calanthe triplicata) and the iconic Illawarra Flying-foxes at The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius). The flying-fox population in the Botanic Garden and across the Sydney region was monitored throughout The new entrance off Narellan Road, funded by NSW the year in preparation for the relocation of the Government over two years, has been completed on Garden’s colony, scheduled to commence in May 2011. time and under budget. The road will bring traffic into A regular catching program allowed individual animals the estate past an avenue of sponsored hoop pines to be banded for identification and assessed the health (Araucaria cunninghamii) and the site of the soon to of the population. In mid-May the Ethics Committee for be constructed PlantBank conservation and research the Office of Environment and Heritage declined the facility. The entrance will open in September 2011. Trust’s application to fit radio – and satellite – collars to flying-foxes, which is a requirement of the Federal Control of African Olive (Olea europaea ssp. approval conditions for the relocation proposal. This cuspidata) continued to be a major focus for resulted in the relocation being postponed for a further management of the natural landscapes at Mount 12 months. Further monitoring and trials will continue Annan. The control program, sponsored by Integral to inform future decision making and the relocation Energy, included mechanical removal of process. To date some 28 trees and 30 palms in the dense African Olive forest and primary control within Royal Botanic Garden have died as a result of damage the Cumberland Plain Woodland. Seed harvesting
caused by roosting flying-foxes. of Kangaroo Grass (Themeda sp.) has produced RBG&DT
18 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust plants for planting out in areas where Olive has been removed and around 1,000 screening trees have Sustainably managing our been planted. botanic gardens & parklands The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah for visitors Since opening last year, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre has been cleverly integrated into the surrounding landscape and Events, exhibitions & functions managed gardens. The Centre’s roof was planted with local successfully grasses, trigger plants (Stylidium sp.) and everlasting daisies, while at the front a rare plant community from Key Performance Indicators the Capertree Valley was recreated using Johnson’s 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii) and Dwarf She- People attending oaks (Allocasuarina nana) against a backdrop of mallee public events: eucalypts. Hard landscaping includes a double basalt The Royal Botanic 378,618 419,717 514,004 425,020 spiral path that connects the Centre to the Rock Garden, Sydney Garden below. Large carved sandstone planter boxes The Australian 21,428 16,207 14,293 18,525 have been used to showcase rare tiny plants from the Botanic Garden, Heritage wilderness. Mount Annan The Blue 46,295 24,384 15,850 12,856 Gwuulya Garri Dilya, or the Garden for Laughing Mountains Botanic Children, was launched in November with a Garden, Mount performance of a Darug Dragonfly dance by children Tomah from Mount Victoria Public School. The launch was Total event and attended by artist Glen Manning, and benefactors venue bookings: Tom Breen and Rachel Kohn with their children and The Royal Botanic 1,076 1,061 1,079 1,119 grandchildren. The pod-shaped stone pieces engraved Garden, Sydney with impressions of rare flora and fauna appear to ‘float’ The Australian 301 248 202 128 in a landscape featuring the herbaceous perennial Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Epimedium sp., Nepalese alders (Alnus nepalensis) and Johnson’s Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii). The Blue 354 298 266 257 Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount A further 30 cultivars of daffodil were added to the Tomah Brunet Meadow over winter. The Brunet Meadow People using the 65,379 72,732 89,755 71,194 honours the Brunet family who once used the property Domain for booked at Mount Tomah as a cut flower farm. Over 100 cultivars sports activities now bloom in the Meadow from mid-August to the end of September each year and are interpreted through a The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney story board and plant labels for each group. An array of public and private events brought over 520,000 people into the Sydney estate this year – A restructure of the horticultural sections 100,000 more than last year, chiefly the result of private brought a new focus to natural area management venue bookings such as weddings, exhibitions and at Mount Tomah. Weed surveying and assessment corporate events. Highlights included singer, songwriter was undertaken to prepare updated management and environmentalist Jack Johnston’s concert in the strategies, and control programs for significant Domain, and Oprah Winfrey’s Welcome to Sydney party bushland weeds such as blackberry have been at Fleet Steps. implemented. Fire mitigation plans for Tomah Spur were also completed in consultation with the Rural Ensuring the environmental sustainability of events Fire Service, and hazard reduction will occur at the first on Trust estates continued to be a key goal. Venue suitable time. management focused on educating clients on the use of biodegradable or recyclable packaging, and consideration of sponsorship giveaways. The latter is a considerable challenge when sponsorship is given on
Annual Report 2010–11 19 the proviso that a product is distributed at an event; Mount Tomah. New events such as the Artist-in- however, the Trust successfully stopped thousands of Residence exhibition and Seeds Sculptures, part of the plastic bottles, fans, glow-sticks and other paraphernalia organisation-wide Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of being given away at Sydney events over the year. the Arts, supplemented long-running annual attractions such as the Waratah Festival, Plants with Bite and the The significant decrease in the number of people Autumn Harvest. attending public events reflects an industry-wide slump in attendance at large community events that Wild about Waratahs was launched in conjunction with has not been explained. This impact is exaggerated an exhibition by renowned artist Jenny Kee in September. by apparent over-estimating of attendance by event The festival program featured a state-wide bloom holders in the past. In addition, the annual Homebake competition, guided walks, a florists’ window-dressing festival in the Domain was cancelled, resulting in at competition and open days at local Waratah farms. least 20,000 fewer people attending Sydney events. Visitation to Wild about Waratahs was up 16 per cent, while the Plants with Bite carnivorous plant fair successfully The number of people using the Domain for booked attracted 38 per cent more people than last year. sporting activities was affected by ongoing delays to scheduled works around the Domain car park. This figure The Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of the Arts is unlikely to improve next year as construction works The Trust trialled a new approach to events this year around the car park will not be finalised until May 2012. with the launch of the Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of the Arts. The festival program included 43 events The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan and activities across all estates, with a common aim The removal of entry fees to the Botanic Garden of promoting the Trust as a cultural institution while played a major part in increasing the number of people also showcasing the three Botanic Gardens as living attending public events, up 32 per cent since last artworks, galleries, stages and studios. year. Shortly after free entry was announced in April, AnnanROMA attracted a record 4,100 visitors this year, The feature event at the Royal Botanic Garden, up 38 per cent from 2010. This is in addition to new Sydney was Sounds of Sculpture where over 60 activities such as cycling associated with the Enduro sculptures around the Garden were illustrated bike trail, which opened in September, and events through music, talks and guided walks, or decorated staged as part of Autumn of the Arts. by children, to the delight of at least 3,500 people. Another highlight was the return of Shakespeare to the The Garden’s first mountain bike events were held in Garden with performances over three wet weekends by March and attracted over 450 riders. The Campbelltown Sport for Jove attended by 2,500 people. City Challenge Walk also took place in March, with 2,300 people walking through the Garden. A centenary event Jazz returned to Mount Tomah with Garden Grooves, for girl guides in April was attended by over 1,000 girls, with music provided by the Hawkesbury Jazz Club with more than 200 camping in the Garden overnight. appreciated by a handful of people undeterred by the drizzly weather. Rae Bolotin’s iridescent seed sculptures were Other events at the Australian Botanic Garden exhibited in the Visitor Centre and along a trail through the celebrated the garden’s biodiversity: Wattle Lottle Day Residence Garden throughout the festival period. in August; a Flora and Fauna day in September that included native animals from Featherdale Wildlife Park, Autumn of the Arts also provided a stage to launch and Fun with our Feathered Friends in October, with the Australian Botanic Garden’s inaugural artist-in- participation from volunteers and Birds Australia. Such residence, with sponsorship from Interlink Roads. events promote the natural assets of the Garden, which Sculptor John Petrie was selected to create a piece for are being progressively regenerated and linked to form the Garden that sympathised with the landscape and wildlife corridors through the estate. other sculptures on site. Talks and workshops with Mr Petrie also formed part of the festival program. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Attendance at public events at the Blue Mountain Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah almost doubled this year, as a result of improved marketing and an increase in the number of events and exhibitions staged at
20 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Visitor facilities & services managed Garden, Mount Tomah. A review of visitor needs successfully and satisfaction levels was undertaken in line with these changes. Analysis suggests that visitors are Key Performance Indicators very satisfied with the Botanic Garden, its facilities and programs; however, a need for more accessible 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 amenities was identified. Visitor surveying also identified an increase in the proportion of visitors Visits to: identifying themselves as from non-English speaking The Royal 3,657,284 3,854,750 3,456,129 3,621,925 backgrounds. Botanic Garden, Sydney The Australian 116,168 84,509 88,777 100,410 Botanic Garden, Mount Annan The Blue 75,044 70,031 69,772 69,990 Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Visitors 97 94 94 91 satisfaction with facilities, services and programs
Significant improvements were made to amenities across all Trust estates over the year. This included upgrades to roads and pathways through the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, and renovations prior to the restaurant and café re-opening at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan in late 2010. Along with the removal of entry fees to the Gardens at Mount Annan and Mount Tomah, these improvements have increased visitor satisfaction at all estates.
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney The number of visits to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney remained relatively constant over the past five years; a trend that is expected to continue. Construction work on the Sydney Opera House forecourt affected the number of people entering the Botanic Garden through the adjoining QEII gate, which contributed to the slight decrease in visitation this year.
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan The introduction of free entry to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan in April significantly increased the number of visitors. Prior to this, numbers were growing as a result of the re-establishment of the restaurant and café, the opening of the Enduro mountain bike trail, and new events such as those during Autumn of the Arts.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah ereth
H ‘At Lion Gate Lodge’ by Heidi Hereth – winner of the Derivan Removal of entry fees in April also increased the Garden Sketchabout Prize during the Sydney Morning Herald eidi
H number of visitors to the Blue Mountains Botanic Autumn of the Arts
Annual Report 2010–11 21 The Royal Botanic Gardens are one of Australia’s oldest and most loved public institutions.
But more than a public space in the middle of a dynamic and bustling city. They are a meeting place, a venue for celebrations large and small, a place where generation after generation has created wonderful memories as they gather under the shade of these magnificent trees.
The Gardens are also a living and important chapter in the story of our nation’s natural history and stand as a symbol of the wonderfully diverse environment we are fortunate to enjoy in this beautiful land.
In 1816, when Sydney was a small and fragile colony, Lachlan Macquarie understood that he was but a custodian for generations to come. Today we are the inheritors of his wisdom and vision.
And so, on the occasion of this 195th anniversary, my wish is that all Australians – today and tomorrow – will treasure the Royal Botanic Gardens as a great urban gift to Sydney and to our nation.
Few places have been so favoured by nature as this great island continent. May we be grateful for this land, respecting and preserving it always.
– The Hon. Julia Gillard, PM
HSBC Bank Australia has been associated with the Royal Botanic Gardens since we first established the HSBC Oriental Garden together in Sydney in 1997. It may seem like a short time frame when compared to the Gardens’ 195 years but it is an association HSBC is extremely proud of. All of us at HSBC wish the Royal Botanic Gardens a very happy 195th birthday.
– Paulo Maia, CEO, HSBC Bank Australia
I wish that the Gardens continue to be a source of laughter, love, relaxation, discovery, learning and inspiration. I wish that they continue to enable Sydneysiders and visitors from all corners of the world to connect with our precious plant life. And I wish that they continue to inspire generation after generation to be better custodians of our fragile planet.
– Member of The Gardens Staff Section 3 Community Support Corporate Governance Organisation Structure Appendices Community Support
The Trust extends its thanks to the 658 volunteers who contributed over 40,000 hours of support this year in over 20 established program areas coordinated by Trust staff and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. Although the number of volunteers is down slightly compared to last year, those involved contributed an additional 700 hours, equivalent to approximately one million dollars. This assistance has helped the Trust promote the conservation role of botanic gardens; monitoring wildlife and regenerating natural bushland, and enhancing visitor enjoyment at all three botanic estates, as well as fund raising activities.
The Trust’s strategic direction for volunteering is in line with State priorities and Communities NSW’s volunteering strategy: Volunteers Danka Ciric and Elisabeth Thilo mounting dried plant specimens for the Herbarium • Making volunteering easier • Broadening the volunteering base • Valuing volunteering education, including two from Colombia and one from • Supporting volunteering. Canada, while the resurrected seven-week internship program targeted ‘unemployed’ science graduates. Key Performance Indicators 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 Several volunteers were nominated for special awards in recognition of their contribution to the Trust. Volunteers 627 697 694 611 contributing to Volunteer Guide Janet Bennett received a NSW Seniors Trust programs Week Achievement Award in March for her outstanding Time contributed 40,242 37,577 42,526 N/A service. National Volunteer Week was celebrated with by volunteers (hrs) local morning teas for each program area.
The Trust is committed to providing meaningful The Trust’s Volunteer Programs Committee is made work and supports ‘professional development’ for up of representatives of management, staff, volunteer volunteers. Recruitment and training of guides took supervisors, the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and the place at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Public Service Association. The committee met at least and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. four times this year to review Trust and government- Volunteer guides at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney wide policies and procedures, and to monitor existing were heavily involved in public programs this year, in volunteering programs and consider new ones. addition to their free guided walks and rosters on the information booth. Sydney guides developed and Two new programs that attracted different sectors conducted ten theme walks such as Teeming with Life of the community included a Foundation Volunteer during National Science Week, and Garden Memories program established to help with preparation for 2016 of War and Peace to celebrate Anzac Day. Guides bicentenary celebrations, and wildlife volunteers at also conducted Sculpture in the Gardens tours and both the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan gave visitors directions and information about events and the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Bird banding during Autumn of the Arts. Other special tours were and monitoring took place at Mount Annan and other conducted for the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, wildlife volunteers helped with Grey-headed Flying- Rotary clubs, Probus groups, cruise visitors, carers fox capture, banding and fly-out counts at the Royal groups and a VIP walk for Madam Boediono, spouse of Botanic Garden, Sydney, as well as counts of flying-fox Vice President of Indonesia, and 30 of her entourage. camps at Wolli Creek and Gordon. Select guides were involved in the development of inton
The Herbarium volunteer program temporarily a Climatewatch trail around the Royal Botanic Garden, H eta
benefited from overseas visitors with botanical the first of its kind in an Australian botanic garden. The P
24 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust trail is available through the Climatewatch website, Begonia Garden: The Royal Botanic Garden, where data on 36 indicator species can be recorded, Sydney and guides will run regular Climatewatch walks that will Wendy Atmore, Margaret Chedra, Gordon Chivers, teach the public valuable observations skills and build Bruce Fergus, Cheryl Gleave, Michael Guffond, their knowledge of Australia’s biodiversity. Lee Sanders, Peter Sharp
The Trust would like to thank the following volunteers Bush regeneration: The Australian Botanic for their help and support in 2010–11: Garden, Mount Annan Richard Austin, Sandra Bullen, Joel Daniels, Guides: The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Robyn Davies, Ron Davies, Alicia Draper, Adrienne Alexander, Elizabeth Anderson, Maria Arimon, David Eden, Lesley Hook, Leonie Kelly, Korinne Ross, Phillip Armstrong, Mike Barrett, Noelene Bearns, Eileen Shuttleworth, Hannah Shuttleworth, Janet Bennett, Rosemary Blakeney, Heather Branch, Lesley Smith, Duncan Stewart, Kris Stolzenhein, Caroline Bray, Lisle Brown, Joan Bryant, Joy Cambage, Sue Whitham David Chandler, Lesley Clarke, Judith Collins, Julie Collins, Allan Correy, Lynne Cusack, Eric Darley, Fauna monitoring: The Royal Botanic Garden, Gillian Davies, Elizabeth Davis OAM, Flora Deverall, Sydney Gillian Dodd, Noel Elliot, Helen Ephraums, Karen Bailey, Penelope Burton, Colin Camphausen, Beryl Ferguson, Jan Gibson, Rosemary Gleeson, Lillian Camphausen, Yvonne Chang, Judith Collins, Helen Gray, Thelma Griffiths, Susanne Giuffre, Raoul de Ferranti, Margaret Dean, Catriona Duncan, Jill Hankinson, Anne Heasman, Helen Hemphill, Sophie Golding, Paul Holding, Robyn Holding, Jean Hobbs, Dorothy Holland, Daphne Howie, Will Jameson, Glenn Johnson, Hilary Kellerson, Glenn Johnson, Russell Lansbury, Marion Lean, Anne Martin, Lizzie Martin, Peter Martin, Graeme Lees, Gabrielle Loneragan, Toni McDowell, Elizabeth McNaughton, Htat Wai Min, Jenny Pattison, Lyn McGrath, Jeannette Manyweathers, Ann Martin, Tim Pearson, Frances Reitmans, Ron Rogers, Peter Martin, John Mathews, Judith Maynard, Janet Snodgrass, Karen Stephenson, Hannah Williams Lynda Newnam, Jim Nicol, Susan North Ash, Erol Omer, John Page, Jill Paterson, Jenny Pattison, Fauna monitoring: The Australian Botanic Dianne Peters, Roger Pittaway, Marian Plaude, Garden, Mount Annan Sandy Pratten, Wendy Pratten, Helen Rann, Belinda Cook, Edwardo Gallo, Ken Gover, Stan Hannah, Rosemary Roberts, Yvonne Roberts, Ginny Sadubin, Leslie Hook, Alan Leishman, Michael Paul, John Ross, Brian Sewell, Margaret Ann Smith, Mavis Sourry, Joy Ross, Hazel Watson Morris Stocker, Carol Style, Kate Symons, Mary Threlfall, Hilary Vallance, Arnold Vink, Berenice Walker, The Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Fay Warren, Helen Williams Frances Reitmans
Guides: The Australian Botanic Garden, Growing Friends: The Royal Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Sydney Peter Andrews, Denis Astill, Jim Colvin, Barry Cresswell, Anne Arnott, John Barrett, Lynette Barrett, Robin Davies, Carol Griesser, Ian Hudson, Kevin Nixon, Russell Beardmore, Katherine Bell, Victor Betteridge, Monique Payne, Peter Reves, Judy Ryan, John Shanks, Heather Branch, Mary Bray, Jean-Louis Buhagiar, Margaret Shanks Marianne Cannon, Annie Cooney, Heather Crompton, Carolyn Davis, Raoul de Ferranti, Annie Fergusson, Guides: The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Barbara Forward, Ruth Foster, Michael Guffond, Mount Tomah Margaret Hanks, Ann Hay, Eleanor Herriott, Alan Hind, Frank Allat, Ros Allatt, Tina Boyd, Annette Bryant, Tim Jackson, Jillian Johnson, Suzanne Knowles, Dawne Dunlop, Christine Hennessy, Elizabeth Howard, Greg Lamont, Margaret Mahony, Elizabeth Martin, Lesley Hulbert, Paul Hulbert, Jim Mark, Deryl Mason, Mardi McElvenny, Jocelyn McGirr, Rae McQueen, Airdrie Martin, Philip Merriman, Sue McLay, John Middleton, Robyn Mitchinson, Helen Millet, Kathleen Oakes, Leif Rosengaard, Dianne Moore, Elizabeth Morgan, Sean Mullen, Ailsa Thompson, Tony Tree, Jackie Wall, Heather Weir, John O’Neill, Trish O’Rourke, Gail Paton, Marion Westmacott Jorgen Rasmussen, Narelle Richardson, Shelley Roden-Smith, Jane Rodgers, Rosemary Sewell,
Annual Report 2010–11 25 Graham Shields, Ute Short, Lesley Simpson, Friends of the Botanic Gardens Timothy Sjoquist, Bruce Spence, Patricia Spring, Kenneth Swinbourne, Hugh Taylor, Jane Treloar, Friends of the Botanic Gardens (Friends) continued Anne van Roekel, Lynn Vlismas, Antony Waterworth, its financial and practical support of the Royal John Wigan, Neil Wilson, Susan Young Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, donating close to $370,000, with a further $680,000 committed for Growing Friends: The Australian Botanic the future, as well as the many hours contributed by Garden, Mount Annan volunteers. Nearly 300 dedicated volunteers filled 400 Robert Carruthers, Brian Darlington, Therese Darmo, roles with Friends for the benefit of the Trust. Annie Fergusson, Carol Griesser, Kim Hines, Susan Hutchison, Kaiyerou Love, Robyn McIntyre, The Friends were led through the year by the Anne Underwood elected committee: Raoul de Ferranti (President), Ann Rasmussen (Vice President), Juvie Ormonde Growing Friends: The Blue Mountains Botanic (Secretary and Public Officer), Hugh Springford Garden, Mount Tomah (Treasurer), Liz Dent (Volunteer Co-ordinator), Peter Ayres, Wayne Gardiner, Mel Kovacs, Wendy Atmore, Peter Ayres, Dawne Clark, Richard Landon, Rosemarie Pettit, Ailsa Thompson, Heather Crompton, Lesley Hook, Elizabeth McNaughton, Stefani Thornthwaite Russell Beardmore and Susan Young. Eleanor Cornish retired from the committee at the 29th annual general Herbarium specimen mounting meeting in November, at which new members Lesley Lydia Bell, Margaret Bell, Christine Belshaw, Hook and Dawne Clark were elected. The committee Carol Bentley, Martha Bolanos Silva, Wayne Brailey, included ex-officio members Dr Tm Entwisle (former Ellen Brien, Louise Broadhead, Kathryn Brown, Executive Director, The Royal Botanic Gardens and Mary Cail, Margaret Carrigg, Danka Circic, Domain Trust) replaced by Brett Summerell (Acting Anne Collins, Barbara Darmanin, Jane D’Olier, Executive Director, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain David Drage, Jane Helsham, Rachel Hill, Jim Hoffmann, Trust); Tim Jackson (Trustee); Annie Sutherland (former Beverley Honey, Susan Jalaluddin, Lorraine McCarthy, Friends’ Executive Officer) replaced by Debbie Mills Malcolm McDonald, Randy Olson, Barbara Page, (current Friends’ Executive Officer), and Mark Savio Sally Paton, Aileen Phipps, Joyce Ramsay, Sarah Renwick, (The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney). Natalia Saldarriaga, Theresa Sergeant, Graham Shields, Carol Sinclair, Pam Surman, Julie Taylor, Elisabeth Thilo, The committee and subcommittees, with some 67 Betty Thurley, Valerie Trigg, Rosemary Varley, volunteers, oversaw the diverse activities of the Friends. Margaret Waud, Ann Wilcher, Jean Williams Friends’ exhibitions this year included ‘From Garden to Table’ – still life by Charlotte Thodey and students – and Horticultural research: The Australian Botanic the Kauri Project, displaying wood-work crafted of timber Garden, Mount Annan reclaimed from a Pacific Kauri Agathis( moorei) that died in Robert Curruthers, Carol Griesser the Royal Botanic Garden in 2007. The inaugural ‘Gardens in Focus’ photography competition was launched, and Library: The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney ‘Artisans in the Gardens’ celebrated its 10th year. Beverly Allen, Deirdre Bean, Pamela Bell, Margot Child, Spike Deane, Morgan Gregory, Janet Heywood, Other events included Plant Hunters and Collectors Jasmine Jordan, Gwenda Levy, Sue Maple-Brown, talks, day trips and workshops, as well as tours to Terrie McLaughlin, Holly Morrison, Elaine Musgrave, Argentina and Peru, Norfolk Island, India and the East Cathy O’Reilly, John Pearce, Elaine Phang, Coast of United States. Thanks to the generosity of Evelyn Shervington, Lois Stewart, Nick Tesoriero, members and Trust staff, Friends accumulated a huge Denise Walker selection of books for its annual book sale. Excess books as well as plants from Growing Friends were Special projects assisting scientists: The Royal donated to the Trust’s Community Greening programs. Botanic Garden, Sydney Irene Bodell, Harry Brian, Jenny Huang, Friends updated its branding to ensure consistency Danka Kraljevski, Fred Langshaw, Ena Middleton, with the Trust’s refreshed corporate identity, and to ensure Floret Parker, Martin Peacock, Graham Shields, its own look retained a visual link that represents the close Daria Sosna, Vivien Young relationship between the two organisations – literally a
26 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust branch with leaves and colours representative of each of the estates. This was further developed in the evolved design for The Gardens magazine, which continued to provide news, informative articles and interesting reading for members. The audience for the monthly e-newsletter grew beyond Friends’ members, taking news of the Botanic Gardens, activities and the benefits that Friends’ members obtain to a wider audience.
The financial accounts (unaudited) show that Friends received $900,000 in revenue and donations, including significant funds contributed towards the Friends’ PlantBank appeal. After expenses, the net surplus for 2010–11 was $340,000.
Wood artists from the Kauri Project, with a boat designed and Friends of the Botanic Gardens made significant crafted by Simon Sadubin donations to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust over 2010–11, as set out below:
Bicentenary Plant Diversity program $96,400 time, special talents, skills and enthusiasm that make it Contribution to direct costs $50,400 possible for Friends to operate effectively each year. Contribution to nurseries $6,000 Margaret Flockton Awards2011 $8,023 Friends’ staff were supported by 22 office volunteers T5 Glass house air-conditioner $25,000 that assisted with administration. A further 64 volunteers provided helpful advice to visitors six days per week The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan – Connections Garden $120,000 through the information booth at the Woolloomooloo Gate to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Scholarships $43,785
Science internships2011 $14,000 The 77 people who participate in Growing Friends Sundry $4,984 teams across all three Botanic Gardens continued TOTAL $368,592 their work propagating and selling plants, with sales this year again at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, The contribution of Friends would not be possible The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan and the without the Trust’s reciprocal support. To facilitate Collectors Plant Fair at Bilpin. the work of Friends, the Trust provided horticultural assistance to the Growing Friends, the use of Cottages The many exhibitions and special events staged 5 and 6, inclusion in the IT network, support in the use by Friends, including New Years Eve and the book of venues and opportunities to work with Trust staff sale, were supported by 94 event volunteers and 52 at many of the community events within the Botanic catering volunteers. Another 11 works volunteers set up Gardens. Friends would also like to thank the Trust exhibitions, workshops and art master classes. Speakers horticulturalists that supported the Helping Hand Bureau and Friends promotion volunteers spoke to special member benefit program, as well as those outside organisations and attended events to promote members who came to experience horticultural work in the Botanic Gardens and Friends’ membership. Friends’ the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney on early mornings, volunteers also supported fauna monitoring and whatever the weather. worked in the Begonia Garden in the Royal Botanic ardens
G Garden, Sydney.
otanic Many Friends’ volunteers have served for many
B Friends volunteers
the years; some in more than one area. Their work has of Friends appreciate and acknowledge the significant again ensured a successful year for Friends. Thank you contribution made by volunteers during 2010–11. to all those who have contributed in 2010–11. Your riends
F These individuals willingly provided their valuable dedication is sincerely appreciated.
Annual Report 2010–11 27 Friends volunteers Susan Meares, Jann Meikle, John Meikle, Jenny Albanis, David Allen, Judith Anderson, John Middleton, Rosemary Millar, Margaret Mills, Roslyn Andrews, Anne Arnott, Wendy Atmore, Pam Milthorpe, Judith Mitchell, Robyn Mitchinson, Dr Peter Ayres, Marilyn Baggio, Victoria Bannon, Miranda Montrone, Dianne Moore, Pamela Morales, John Barrett, Lynette Barrett, Jan Beardmore, Elizabeth Morgan, Jan Morgan, Patricia Moroney, Russell Beardmore, Katherine Bell, Jenifer Best, Catherine Morrison, Grace Mroz, Sean Mullen, Victor Betteridge, Ian Booth, Prunella Booth, Don Mulligan, Jennifer Nagle, Anne Neild, Julie Boreham, Noel Boreham, Heather Branch, Lidia Nemitschenko, Diane Newsom, Kathryn Nixon, Caroline Bray, Mary Bray, Sunday Brent, Joanne O’Brien, Devika Ogden, John O’Neill, Helen Brockhoff, Wendy Brodhurst, Rodney Browne, Juvenalia Ormonde, Trish O’Rourke, Gail Paton, Jean-Louis Buhagiar, Lynne Cairncross, Anne Cale, Susan Paxton, Wendy Perkins, Rosemarie Pettit, Libby Cameron, Anne Campbell, Marianne Cannon, Elisabeth Pidd, Margery Postlethwaite, Sandy Pratten, Alison Carr, Robert Carruthers, Margaret Chambers, Jill Prior, Elizabeth Rabbitts, Ann Rasmussen, Dawne Clark, Diana Coates, Susan Cohen, Jorgen Rasmussen, Peta Rattray, Julie Reid, Gillian Cook, Annie Cooney, Eleanor Cornish, Krythia Reid, Geoffrey Richards, Suzanne Richards, Wendy Cottee, Julie Cremer, Barry Cresswell, Narelle Richardson, Gillian Richmond, Sondra Riley, Carol Criddle, Heather Crompton, Cherie Curchod, Janet Roberts, Bruce Robertson OAM, Beverley Roden, Margaret Curley, Brian Darlington, Catherine Darmo, Shelley Roden-Smith, Jane Rodgers, Helen Rogers, Heather Davidson, Catherine Davies, Bev Davis, Douglas Roser, Karen Roser, Enid Ross, Sandra Ross, Carolyn Davis, Elizabeth Davis OAM, Raoul de Ferranti, Joyce Roy, Professor Paul Roy, Carmen Sablatnig, Susanne de Ferranti, Margaret Dean, Des Dent, Elva Salter, Ingrid Sands, Joan Scott, Rosemary Sewell, Elizabeth Dent, Pat Duncan, Chris Elliott, Doris Shearman, Graham Shields, Ute Short, Jan Etteridge, Beryl Ferguson, Annie Fergusson, Linda Sieber, Bettine Silver, Ecila Simpson, Janet Fish, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Deirdre Fleeting, Lesley Simpson, Timothy Sjoquist, Prue Smith, Maureen Foord, Barbara Forward, Lesley Foster, Colin Snodgrass, Janet Snodgrass, Prue Socha, Ruth Foster, Ruth Fowler, Elizabeth Garbacz, Mavis Sourry, Bruce Spence, Patricia Spring, Diana Garder, Wayne Gardner, Heather Goodwin, Hugh Springford, Robyn Stafford, Jane Steele, Derek Graham, Carolyn Green, Carol Griesser, Margaret Stewart, Diana Storer, Lindy Stuart, Dallas Griffin, Jan Grimison, Leanne Grimstone, Annie Sutherland, Kenneth Swinbourne, Anne Grose, Michael Guffond, Robin Guthrie, Eleanor Sydney-Jones, Elfriede Taylor, Dr Hugh Taylor, Jo Hambrett, John Hancock, Margaret Hanks, Ailsa Thompson, Frieda Thornhill, Peter Thornhill, Philip Hannaford, Sandra Hannaford, Lynne Harlow, Stefani Thornthwaite, Mary Threlfall, Jane Treloar, John Harries, Kotchie Harrington, Joanna Harrop, Margaret Turner, Dr Anne Underwood, Dr Peter Valder, Anne Hawker, Ann Hay, Barrie Heidenreich, Anne van Roekel, Arnold Vink, Lynn Vlismas, Helen Hemphill, Eleanor Herriott, Cheryl Hill, Susan Hill, Alan Hind, Liz Hind, Kim Hines, John Hinson, Rosemary Hodgkinson, Geoffrey Hook, Lesley Hook, Libby Horrobin, Joan Humphreys, Susan Hutchison, Jane Ireland, Suzanne Isherwood, Tim Jackson, Jeanie Jagelman, Kamala Jegaraj, Jillian Johnson, Winsome Johnstone, Helen Keene, Rosemary Kenney- Herbert, Susan Khouri, Gabrielle King, Lynne King, Dr Diana Kingston, Suzanne Knowles, Mel Kovacs, Greg Lamont, Richard Landon, Barbara Lane, Sybil Laws, Gayl Leake, Robin Leonard, Kaiyerou Love, Robyn Macintosh, Judith MacIntyre, ardens
Margaret Mahony, Elizabeth Martin, Hanne Martin, G Rae Mashford, Deryl Mason, Elizabeth McCabe,
Ann McCauley, Jenifer McDermott, Janette McDonald, otanic B
Dr Stan McDonald, Mardi McElvenny, the
of Jocelyn McGirr, Ann McIntyre, Robin McIntyre, Judith McKernan, Sue McLay, Janet McMahon, Friends of the Botanic Garden visited The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah for a guided tour with riends
Elizabeth McNaughton, Madeleine McPherson, Director, Rob Smith (sixth from left in white hat) F
28 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Susan Wannan, Maureen Ward, Robyn Ward, Lady Beattie, Dr Barbara Briggs, Andrea Bye, Geoffrey Antony Waterworth, Angela Webb, Caroline Webster, & Sarah Cains, Beverley Cameron, Dr Donald & Roslyn Wheeler, Sue Whitham, Jennifer Whittam, Margot Child, Donella Corbett, John Cuningham, Jann Wiener, John Wigan, Carolyn Willcocks, Rhonda Daniels, Helen & Michael Devenish-Meares, Joan Wilcox, Elizabeth Wills, Jennifer Wilson, Gail & William Douglass, Professor Geoffrey & Neil Wilson, Carol Young, Margaret Young, Jan Driscoll, Eleanor Dunn, Dr Julie Fitness, Nancy Fox Susan Young, Vivien Young & Bruce Arnold, Ian Fraser, Marion Freidman, David Fuller, Allan Gilden, Dallas & Brian Griffin, F riends Waratah Members & other supporters Jim & Ruth Hallmark, Hope Hanks, Owen Haviland Waratah members provide additional financial support & Susan Hope, Janita & Philip Hercus, John & through an annual donation in addition to their annual Mary Holt, Dr Michael & Penny Hunter, Philip & membership dues. We thank the long standing and Sheila Jacobson, Peter Kemp & Porntip Kimprapan, new Waratahs for their continuing generosity, as well Christina Kennedy, Christine Kenworthy, Denise as the many donors who contributed to the appeal to & Wal King, Susan & Gilles Kryger, Prof Michael & raise funds for the teaching and research laboratories Sarah Lawrence, Julie Lee, Jock & Sandra McDonald, within PlantBank, the Save a Species program, and Dr Pamela & Graham McDonald, Richard other generous gifts. & Susan Miles, Helen Murray, Alex Omran, Anabel Parbury & Philip Gosse, Dr Mary & Gold Waratahs, who gave $1000 or more Dr Nancy Rickard, Sandra Robberds, Janet Roberts, Geraldine & Christopher Arnott, Dr Charles S. Barnes, Bruce Robertson OAM, Beverley Robson & Donald & Sally Bradford, Raoul de Ferranti & John Archibald, Beverley Roden, Louise & Dr Merilyn Sleigh, Susanne de Ferranti, John & Donald Rowston, Dr Diana & Dr Peter Sainsbury, Margot Egan, John Flint & Nora Hinchen, Dr Richard Grant Shatford & Michael Nicholson, Dr Evan & & Shona Gallagher, Neville H. Grace, Geoffrey & Dr Jean Siegel, Suzanne Stebbings, Kathryn Stoddart, Lesley Hook, Dr Max & Tess Hooper, Dr Kathryn Lovric Dr Mary Taylor, Aline & Peter Ter Horst, Graham & & Dr Roger Allan, Helen Lyons, Judith MacIntyre, Beverley Thompson, Simon Turner, Francis Walsh, Judith & John McKernan, Susan Maple-Brown, Dr John & Beverley Warneford, John & Irene Willimott, Doug & Greta Moran, Dr William & Dr Sarah Nelson, Robyn & Terry Winton, Chris & Julia Wokes, Janet & Geoff & Rachel O’Conor, Beryl Raymer, Dr Alex Dr Hugh Wolfenden & Dorothy Robertson, Susan Rothwell, Bill & (Note: Anonymous donors excluded) Maureen Ryan, Janis Salisbury, Mark & Ruth Sampson, Alison Sida, Alison Stephen, Eleanor Sydney-Jones, Dr Peter Valder, Elizabeth & David Wills, Jean Wilson Donors who gave more than $250 to support the work of Friends, particularly PlantBank & Silver Waratahs, who gave $500 or more Save a Species Gillian Appleton, Shane Bedford & Linda Hunt, Karma Abraham, Madeleine Adams, Lenore Adamson, Warren & Nancy Boyd, Philip Coleman, Robert & Ambac Assurance Corporation, Gillian Appleton, Janet Constable, Dr Ian & Diana Daly, Anne De Salis, Geraldine Arnott, Judith Arnott, Russell Beardmore, Dr Roderick & Gillian Deane, Professor Geoffrey & Sylvia Beresford, Warren Boyd, Dr Barbara Briggs, Jan Driscoll, Annie & Jim Fergusson, Bruce Flood Alison Britts, Jean-Louis Buhagiar, Dr Herma Buttner, & Kathy Olsen, James & Leonie Furber, Raffael & Pauline Campbell, Professor Carrick Chambers, Margaret Garofano, Warren Green, Dr Catherine Guy, David Coleby, Dr Gillian Davies, Raoul de Ferranti & Anne Hawker, Rosemary & John Holden, Sibylle Krieger Dr Merilyn Sleigh, Flora Deverall, Suzanne Dowsett, & Bruce McClintock, Nita & John Lavigne, Nina Loder, Roslyn Espie, Julie Felton, John Flint, Boronia Foley, Mary Rose & Dr Colin McDonald, Dr David & Warren Green, Georgina Grubb, Dr Catherine Guy, Barbara Millons, Dr Kenneth & Helen Neale, Dr Alison Halliday, Jo Hambrett, Leona Hole, Jill Paterson, Patricia Reid, Ken & Dr Jan Roberts, Dr John Holt, Betty Hudson, Tim Jackson, Ruth Staples, Edward & Morna Vellacott, Jane Williams Isabelle Joseph, Christina Kennedy, Ann Macansh, & Peter Moll, Jill Wran Judith MacIntyre, Margaret Maddrell, Susan & Robert Maple-Brown, Robin McIntyre, Bronze Waratahs, who gave $250 or more Judith McKernan, Susan Meares, Rosemary Millar, Lenore Adamson, Geoffrey Ainsworth & Laura Olsson, Pam Milthorpe, Rachel O’Conor, Juvenalia Ormonde, Nancy Anderson, Chris Armour, Henry & Peta Badgery, Roslyn Packer, Anabel Parbury, Anne Pickles,
Annual Report 2010–11 29 Lorna Ray, Dr Alexander & Dorothy Robertson, sustainable horticulture initiatives were also sponsored John Siemon, John & Robynne Siemon, Siemon by Pernod Ricard Australia. Inventments Pty Ltd, Prue Socha, Hugh Springford, Ruth Staples, Eleanor Sydney-Jones, The Atlantic Initiatives at the Australian Botanic Garden, Philanthropies (Australia) Pty Ltd, Frieda Thornhill, Mount Annan were supported by Interlink Roads John Timbs, Roy Unsworth, Dr Peter Valder, and Landcom, while a grant from the Philip Bushell Edward Vellacott, Francis Walsh, Dr John Warneford, Foundation purchased mobility scooters for the Blue Moira Weate, Wentworth Garden Club, Elizabeth Wills, Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. Marianne Wilson, Chris & Julia Wokes The Trust’s Community Greening partnership (Note: Anonymous donors excluded) and Green Streets initiative were delivered to over 200 disadvantaged community projects thanks to a generous grant from Housing NSW (Department Financial support of Family and Community Services). Eden Gardens continues to be a major supporter of this program Corporate sponsorships and Youth Community Greening, in addition to As the Trust’s Principal Conservation Partner, HSBC Bank making significant product donations along with Oasis Australia provided funding for staff to travel to Bidoup- Horticulture, Alpine Nursery and Northcote Pottery. Nuiba National Park in Dalat City, Vietnam as part of the Asia-Pacific Capacity Building program; funded In-kind donations of horticultural goods and products seed collecting trips to support the global conservation were given by Neutrog Fertilisers, the Toro Giving targets of the NSW Seedbank, and made a significant Program, Treloar Roses and Aloe-Aloe Horticulture. contribution to the PlantBank capital campaign. Fairfax Media gave significant in-kind advertising and promotional sponsorship to the Sydney Morning Herald Freehills continued to provide in-kind professional Autumn of the Arts. support for the Trust’s fundraising activities, while Corrs Chambers Westgarth joined the Trust with a financial Community fundraising and professional support sponsorship. Bloomberg’s In its first year ‘Save a Species’ was broadly promoted initial three-year commitment to conservation initiatives to raise funds for the Trust’s seed banking activities. ended and a further three years sponsorship supporting The campaign included a partnership with the the NSW Seedbank was agreed. Conservation and Australian Geographic Society that helped to raise community awareness for the campaign and the Trust’s conservation role.
The Trust is also grateful to the many individuals who have made significant contributions to the Trust’s work through dedicating a bench, tree or rosebush on one of the estates.
PlantBank capital campaign Substantial multi-year grant commitments were made by the Ian Potter Foundation, the Jamoca Foundation and an anonymous UK-based Foundation. Grants were also received from the Pace Foundation and HSBC Bank Australia, while TransGrid sponsored the campaign’s first year with a multi-year extension option.
The Trust would like to thank all sponsors and supporters who have given in this financial year, as listed below: arkwell M Chris Turnbull (left) and Len Gervay running down the Hume
Principal conservation sponsor line
Highway from Sydney to Melbourne, which raised over $5,500 u a
for the ‘Save a Species’ campaign HSBC Bank Australia P
30 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Major sponsors & supporters Councillors Griffin (Chair), Austin, Sherlock and Bloomberg L.P. England are the Audit, Finance and Investment Corrs Chambers Westgarth Committee (AFIC). Jennifer Crivelli of Ord Minnett Eden Gardens attends the AFIC committee meetings, providing advice Fairfax Media on the market and Foundation investments. Freehills Family and Community Services – Housing NSW The Foundation supports the Royal Botanic The Ian Potter Foundation Gardens and Domain Trust through raising funds for Interlink Roads the Bicentenary Campaign and major Trust initiatives. The Jamoca Foundation In 2010–11, the Foundation welcomed many new Landcom benefactors. Gifts were received from individuals, grant Millennium Seed Bank Project – Royal Botanic Gardens, giving foundations and corporate philanthropy for Kew specific projects and the Botanic Bicentenary Campaign. Neutrog Fertilisers The Foundation is most appreciative of the benefaction The Pace Foundation granted by the Fellows and Supporters below. Pernod Ricard Australia TransGrid 2016 Bicentenary Campaign: gifts of $1,000 or more towards Bicentenary Campaign projects Sponsors & partners were received from Ruth Armytage, Marissa Best, Aloe-Aloe Horticulture Dr Barbara Briggs, Cadwallader family, Jennifer Crivelli, Australian Geographic Society Mike & Susan Crivelli, Anne de Salis, Julie Drew, Richard Derivan & Harriett England, Justice Peter & Jane Garling, Fuzzy Odette Gourley, Grace Family, Pauline Markwell, Graham Ross Horticultural Consultants Pty Ltd Robbie Neill, Sam & Helen Sheffer, Alice Simpson, and Heidrick & Struggles Robert & Simone Arnott. M&C Saatchi Oasis Horticulture Youth Community Greening: This environmental Ord Minnett education program for youth in need was supported by the Ron Evans Painting Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Roslyn Packer AO and Toro Giving Program an anonymous benefactor. The Foundation thanks these Treloar Roses benefactors for their support over the past four years. Weedtecnics Welshs Smash Repairs Rainforest Seed Conservation program: The Foundation thanks Tony Maxwell and Robyn Godlee The Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation for their support over the past three years for this The Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation is a charitable conservation project researching the seed biology of Trust endorsed as a deductible gift recipient under the rainforest species. Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. It has an authority to fundraise from the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming Solar panels at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, and Racing and has GST Concession and Income Tax Mount Tomah were installed through the generosity of Exemption status. Geoffrey and Rachel O’Conor, and Professor Carrick Chambers AM and Margaret Chambers. The Foundation is governed by its board of Councillors. At 30 June 2011 Councillors were: Clive Austin Restoration of statuary in the Royal Botanic Garden, (Chair), Daniel Baffsky, Penny Curry, Richard England, Sydney: Mr James Fairfax AC has pledged further Odette Gourley, Ronald Griffin, Nicholas Playoust, support to restore the Bird Bath of Carrara marble, which Adelle Robinson, Tony Sherlock and John Taberner. will also make it functional so that it improves the water Dr Tim Entwisle, Sue Gazal and Wayne Kingston retired quality in the Lotus Pond. as Councillors during the year and the Foundation thanks them for their contributions. The Trust Chair, Greg Martin, Library Treasures: A gift from Dr Alistair Hay will allow is President of the Foundation. Dr Robyn Williams and important conservation work on the Curtis Magazine, Jamie Durie are Ambassadors. Mr Raoul de Ferranti historically and scientifically-important volumes in the represented Friends of the Botanic Gardens. Library Collection.
Annual Report 2010–11 31 Herb Garden Pavilion: Mrs Roslyn Baker’s generosity Joseph Maiden Fellows has funded the construction of the Herb Garden Pavilion, The Mabel & Franklyn Barrett Trust which was part of the original Herb Garden plan. The Greg & Myra Bell pavilion completes the aesthetics and adds to the Judith Beswick amenity of this favourite part of the Royal Botanic Garden, Roxane Clayton originally donated by members of the Arnott family. Jennifer Crivelli Anne & Kelvin Geddes Papua New Guinea trees research: Generous support David & Kathryn Groves from the Mundango Foundation towards identification Pamela Jane Harrison research on rainforest species is assisting local forest Dick Honan & the Honan Family management and sustainability. Playoust Family Foundation Lee-Anne Reid The Foundation would also like to thank Valma Modified Accessible Taxis Joint Venture Burrows, Jennifer Crivelli and Family Frank Foundation Estate of Elsie May Webster who gave gifts to the Foundation. The following list recognises those who have donated in the past year or Allan Cunningham Fellows are current benefactors and are acknowledge on the David & Liz Adams Trust and Foundation Honour Board. Patricia & Clive Austin Baffsky & Clarke Family Charles Darwin Fellows Prof Carrick Chambers AM & Margaret Chambers John B. Fairfax AO Ian Conley Dr Alistair Hay Sophia Rose & Genevieve Elise Cook Estate of Cliffina Thersey Rathborne Antony Coote AM Peter & Penny Curry Sir Joseph Banks Fellows Professor Noel & Adrienne Dan Allianz Australia Ltd Dr Gillian Davies Bruce Arnott Elizabeth Davis OAM Roslyn Baker Julie Drew & Michael Grace AM Morrish Besley AM AC AO Richard & Harriett England Tom Breen & Rachael Kohn Dr Tim Entwisle Sir Ronald Brierley Margaret Esson Eden Gardens & Garden Centre John Gale OBE James O. Fairfax AC Jane & Justice Peter Garling Lady (Nancy) Fairfax AO Sue Gazal Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation The Greatorex Foundation Tony Maxwell & Robyn Godlee Antony Green Ian & Helen McLachlan Ronald & Helen Griffin Drs William & Sarah Nelson David Healey Geoffrey & Rachel O’Conor Lesley Kernaghan Gretel L. Packer Nancy Malfanti Roslyn Packer AO Cyril G. Maloney Thyne Reid Pauline A. Markwell Alexander & Dorothy Robertson Elizabeth Mooney Philip & Caroline Simpson The Moore Family Estate of Josephine Swane Mundango Abroad Pty Ltd Mary Whitton Conrad Oppen & Alice Oppen OAM Faye Parker Samuel & Helen Sheffer Alice Simpson Prue Socha Maxine Stewart Dr Colin Sullivan AO & Jeanette Sullivan John Taberner
32 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Foundation Supporters Joan Nicol Madeleine Adams Peter Olde Andreasen’s Wholesale Nursery Mahla Pearlman AO Ruth Armytage AM Philip Bushell Foundation Judith Arnott Howard Pierce William R. Arnott David Pumphrey Charles Barnes Chris Quinn Dr Ian Blackburn John Reid AO Graham Bradley AM Steven & Gayl Rich Patrick Brennan Trust Susan Rothwell Dr Barbara Briggs Professor Ross Steele AM Vic Brown Ruchir Sodhani Reg Bryson John Southwell OAM Sir Raymond & Lady Burrell Tim & Janine Studdert Mark Burrows AO John Studdy AM Peter Burrows Sydney Rotary Club Valma Burrows Boon Tan Michael Coleman Bret Walker SC Trevor Danos & Dr Veronica Lambert Sir Arthur & Lady Weller Andrew & Penny Davis The Whyte Family Mandy Dawkins Robert & Heather Wicht Davidson’s Nursery Carol Willesee Anne De Salis Edwin Wilson Ronald Finemore AO Malcom Wilson Leon Fink Peggy Yeum Family Frank Foundation Libby Gole A special thank you to Friends of the Botanic Gardens Odette Gourley for their ongoing support. James Graham John & Philippa Graham Pat & Dianne Handley David Heinzen Herman Slade Foundation Herman Slade Orchid Fund Dr John Hewson AM S.C. Ingate Mark Johnson AO Julian Lavigne James N Kirby Foundation John Leaver Dr C.J. & Mary-Rose McDonald Susanna & Rob McDonald Alistair McLean Roslyn Maguire Nick Manettas Tricia Marriot Anthony & Suzanne Maple-Brown Robert & Susan Maple-Brown Christopher Melluish Christine Moss aniel Maurice L. Newman D Children of all ages were invited to Sounds of Sculpture in Robert C. Neill The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney during the Sydney Morning ophie
S Nell & Hermon Slade Trust Herald Autumn of the Arts
Annual Report 2010–11 33 Corporate Governance
The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust is a Best Practice statutory body established by the Royal Botanic In meeting the Trust objectives and setting a clear Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980. The legislation strategic direction for the organisation, the Trustees defines the objectives, powers and functions of the Trust are committed to best practice in corporate and its Board of Trustees, and vests certain land and governance. In 2010–11, Trustees conducted their property in the Trust. It also governs the Regulations activities with reference to the Premier’s Conduct relating to all three botanic gardens and the Domain. Guidelines for Members of NSW Government Boards The Trust is formally accountable to the Minister for the and Committees.There were no declarations from any Environment for fulfilling its statutory requirements. Trustee of conflicts of interest or gifts received.
The non-executive Board members are appointed Legislative Changes by the Governor of NSW on the recommendation of In 2010–2011 there were no changes to Royal Botanic the Minister for a renewable term of up to four years. Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980. The Board’s membership represents a diversity of expertise and experience in horticulture, plant sciences, Trust Meeting Attendance business, industrial relations, education, and cultural The Director, Development and Planning, is Secretary and community affairs. to the Trust and keeps the common seal. The Senior Executive Assistant records the minutes of the Trust. In 2010–11 staff were employed through the Office The Trust met five times in 2010–2011. of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW). The assets and programs remain TRUSTEE MEETINGS ATTENDED the responsibility of the Trust. Greg Martin (Chair) 5 out of 5 Remuneration John Egan 5 out of 5 Remuneration of Trustees is determined by the Premier Professor Lesley Hughes 4 out of 5 under the guidelines for the Remuneration and Tim Jackson 5 out of 5 Categorisation of Boards. The Trust is classified as an Sibylle Krieger 4 out of 5 Advisory Committee which, under the terms of the Act, is ‘…subject to the control and direction of the Minister…’. Tom Pinzone 4 out of 5 The Chairperson receives an annual fee of $7,350 and Vanessa Priest 5 out of 5 the other Trustees each receive $3,675 per annum.
Trust Liability Trustees and employees of the Trust are covered by the Treasury Managed Fund for any legal liability, as long as the action is not illegal or criminal and outside the scope of their duties.
34 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust INTERNAL AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR THE 2010–2011 FINANCIAL YEAR FOR THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS & DOMAIN TRUST
I, Greg Martin, Trustee on the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, am of the opinion that the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust has internal audit and risk management processes in place that are, in all material respects, compliant with the core requirements set out in Treasury Circular NSW TC 09/08 Internal Audit and Risk Management Policy.
I, Greg Martin, Trustee on the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, am of the opinion that the Audit and Risk Committee for the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust is constituted and operates in accordance with the independence and governance requirements of Treasury Circular TC 09/08. The Chair and Members of the Audit and Risk Committee are:
• Mr Tom Pinzone (26 April 2010 to 25 April 2014) • Mr Greg Martin (1 July 2007 to 30 June 2011) • Ms Vanessa Priest (2 February 2009 to 1 February 2013)
These processes provide a level of assurance that enables the senior management of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust to understand, manage and satisfactorily control risk exposures.
In accordance with a resolution of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Greg Martin 23 June 2011
Annual Report 2010–11 35 Trustees TIM JACKSON Cert.Hort.UK, FAIH GREG MARTIN (Reappointed 29 May 2009; present term expires BEc, LLB, FAIM, MAICD 28 May 2012) (Appointed Chair 1 December 2003; appointed to Trust 1 July 2003; present term expires 30 June 2011) Tim Jackson, former Vice President of the NSW Council of the Australian Institute of Horticulture, was Greg is a non-executive Director of a number of listed President of the Friends of The Gardens from 2001 and unlisted companies including Santos Limited and to 2003. A pioneer member of the Growing Friends, Energy Developments Limited. He is a previous CEO Tim was instrumental in establishing the Friends’ and Managing Director of AGL and has nearly 30 years Artisans Exhibition in 2000 and in implementing the experience in the utilities, energy and energy related garden-themed Literary Lunch in conjunction with the infrastructure sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Sydney Writers Festival in 2004. Tim, a member of internationally. the Horticultural Media Association, writes freelance gardening articles for various magazines and is still JOHN EGAN involved in the Australian Institute of Horticulture and BA (Hons), MBA, FAIM, FAICD, FIMC very involved in community-based gardening. (Appointed 18 March 2010; present term expires 25 June 2014) SIBYLLE KRIEGER LLB (Hons), LLM, GAICD, MBA John Egan is a career management consultant, (Appointed 1 June 2010; present term expires with particular interests in the alignment of strategy 31 May 2014) with organisation structure, Board governance and remuneration. John served on the Federal Council Sibylle Krieger has 32 years of broad commercial of the Institute of Management Consultants for a experience as a lawyer, company director and economic number of years, including a term as President. He regulator. She was a partner of two major law firms for served for more than 10 years on the International 22 years and held several management roles. She has Student Association’s (AIESEC) Advisory Board, retiring completed an MBA at Melbourne Business School and as Chairman in 1995, prior to joining the Advisory currently serves as one of three Tribunal members on the Board of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the principal NSW economic regulator (IPART), in addition University of Sydney that year, serving as Chairman to her consultancy work. She is also a non-executive from 2001 to 2010. John is an Adjunct Professor in the director of Allconnex Water in south-east Queensland. School of Business and is an Honorary Fellow of the In her leisure time she enjoys gardens, both public and University of Sydney. private, and attends landscaping conferences.
PROFESSOR LESLEY HUGHES TOM PINZONE BSc (Honours), PhD BEng (UNSW), FIEAust, MICE, MAICD (Appointed 2 February 2009; present term expires (Reappointed 18 March 2010; present term expires 1 February 2013) 25 April 2014)
Lesley is internationally (and locally) recognised for Tom Pinzone is a consulting civil engineer with over 35 her research on the impact of climate change on years professional experience. He is Business Leader biodiversity, and more broadly on evolutionary ecology. Transportation for Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey (GHD) She is currently the co-convenor of the Terrestrial and was a Director of GHD from 2002 to 2008. His Biodiversity Network operating under the auspices experience includes urban and regional development, of the National Climate Change Adaptation Research water and wastewater and transportation projects. He Facility, and Head of Department of Biological Sciences is the co-author of a widely quoted series of Australian at Macquarie University. Professor Hughes is a lead Infrastructure Report Cards. Tom has a long history of author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate service with professional and industry associations at Change (IPCC). Lesley chairs the Scientific Committee executive and committee level including Engineers of the Trust. Australia, ACEA and AusCID and has served on a number of government advisory groups. Tom chairs the Trust’s Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.
36 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Trustees from left: John Egan, Professor Lesley Hughes, Vanessa Priest, Tim Jackson, Sybille Krieger, Tom Pinzone, Greg Martin
VANESSA PRIEST Executive Dip.Teach, B.Com, M.Tax, C.A (Appointed 2 February 2009; present term expires 1 DR TIM ENTWISLE February 2013) BSc (Hons), PhD Executive Director & New South Wales Government Vanessa is a Director of Taxation with PKF, and has 18 Botanist years experience in chartered accounting, all of it in (until 27 April 2011) taxation advising and consulting. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Accountable to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain the Taxation Institute of Australia and has a Masters Trust, Director-General Department of Environment, of Taxation Law. Vanessa’s client base includes Climate Change and Water, and the Minister for corporates, large family Trusts and various deductible Climate Change and the Environment for the efficient gift recipients, and she has a particular interest in the and effective management of the organisation, tax issues associated with not-for-profit organisations. including its horticultural, scientific, educational, dt
& She is a regular presenter for various professional marketing, commercial and corporate support
rbg associations and media outlets. functions.
Annual Report 2010–11 37 DR BRETT SUMMERELL BScAgr (Hons), PhD Acting Executive Director (from 28 March 2011) Director, Science & Public Programs
Responsible for the leadership and management of Science and Public Programs, including systematics, ecological and horticultural research, as well as the National Herbarium of NSW, library and laboratories, the design and editorial services and for the community education program.
DR MAURIZIO ROSSETTO BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD Acting Director, Science & Public Programs (26 March – 30 June 2011)
JANICE PULLEN BBus, MBA, CPA Director, Development & Planning
Responsible for the organisation’s financial resource management and business services, including leasing and the Royal Botanic Garden’s retail. Secretary to the Trust and the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.
MARK SAVIO Hort. Cert Director, The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Executive CLOCKWISE From top left: Dr Tim Entwisle, Dr Brett Summerell, Mark Savio, Rob Smith, Caz McCallum and Janice Pullen. DR MAURIZIO ROSSETTO Not pictured Responsible for the management of all services and operations at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney.
CAZ MCCALLUM MAg (Turf Mgt), BA, DipEd, MAIH Director, The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
Responsible for the management of all services and operations at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan.
ROB SMITH BA, NatHortCert, FRIH Director, The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah
Responsible for the management of all services and operations at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.
38 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Organisation Structure
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THE ROYAL BOTANIC OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT & GARDENS & DOMAIN HERITAGE, DEPARTMENT OF TRUST PREMIER & CABINET
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Royal Public DEVELOPMENT SCIENCE THE ROYAL BOTANIC THE THE BLUE Relations AUSTRALIAN MOUNTAINS Botanic AND & PUBLIC GARDEN SYDNEY BRANCH Manager Director BOTANIC BOTANIC Gardens PLANNING PROGRAMS Foundation BRANCH BRANCH GARDEN GARDEN MOUNT MOUNT Director Director Director ANNAN TOMAH Royal Domain & BRANCH BRANCH Botanic Infrastructure Director Director Business Evolutionary Garden Manager Services Ecology Manager Manager Manager Royal Domain & Horticulture Natural Botanic Horticultural Manager Areas & Financial Plant Garden Support Arboriculture Diversity Accounting Nursery Supervisor Coordinator Manager Supervisor Accountant Technical & Administrative Woodlands Royal Services Public Infrastructure & Turf Management Botanic Manager Programs Supervisor Coordinator Accounting Garden Manager Accountant Botanic Horticulture Infrastructure Natural Ornamental Upper Project Heritage Horticulture Horticultural Gardens Coordinator Manager & Design Development Research Supervisor Coordinator Manager Manager
Events Marketing Royal Visitor & Visitor Garden Collections Botanic Management Experience & Services Services Manager Garden Manager Marketing Manager Senior Botanic Supervisor Manager Horticulture Plant Lower Wildlife Landscape Pathology Gardens Management Visitor Planning Manager Supervisor Project Officer Services & Officer Marketing Manager Gardens Centre for Community Plant Information Officer Education Visitor Centre Conservation Officer & Retail Coordinator Manager Living Collections Administrator Design Community & Editorial Education Services Officer Manager
Positions as at June 2011
Annual Report 2010–11 39 Appendices
Appendix A nomenclatural and distributional knowledge of plant species, which contribute to the accuracy and currency Global Strategy for Plant of specialist handbooks and general Floras. Conservation Herbarium staff and research associates continue to contribute to all aspects of the Australian Plant The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation is an Census, especially the production and documentation international charter for action that aims to build an of taxonomic knowledge across a wide range of plant international focus of policy, research and capacity on groups (seed plants, some gymnosperms and ferns, the conservation of plants and vegetation communities. bryophytes, marine algae, and some lichens and The first iteration of the Strategy was adopted in 2002 fungi). Along with other digital database structures and expired in 2010. Following a review of progress and tools, this project is helping to increase focus on in implementing targets from the original Strategy, conservation-related information systems. an updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011–2010 is now in place. The Trust is working with other international groups to further the Asia-Pacific objectives of the Global The Strategy has five key objectives: Taxonomy Initiative of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Trust • Plant diversity is well understood, is a member of the Species 2000 Asia-Oceania group documented and recognised and the Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum, both of • Plant diversity is urgently and effectively which encourage international and national biodiversity conserved activities in the region. For example, collaboration with • Plant diversity is used in a sustainable and the Papua New Guinea National Herbarium progresses equitable manner as work continues on the Guide to trees of Papua New • Education and awareness about plant Guinea (www.pngplants.org) that will document the diversity, its role in sustainable livelihoods and tree flora of that country. importance to all life on Earth is promoted • The capacities and public engagement The Trust continues to be represented on necessary to implement the strategy have national and international committees related to the been developed. management and dissemination of plant diversity data, such as the IUBS International Working Group on The updated Strategy 2011–2010 retains the vision, Taxonomic Databases and the Australian Herbarium mission and objectives of the 2002–2010 Strategy; Information Committee (HISCOM), as well as key however, the 16 targets for plant conservation have international database groups. Trust staff also played been revised. The Trust has consistently used the an important role in preparations for the International Global Strategy for Plant Conservation as a reference Botanical Congress (IBC), the world’s peak botanical point for its conservation activity and reported knowledge forum, held in Melbourne in July 2011. progress against its targets since 2007. This is the last report against the 2002–2010 Strategy targets. The Target 2: A preliminary assessment of the 2011–2020 targets and rationale for the revision of the conservation status of all known plant species, Strategy can be accessed through the Convention on at national, regional and international levels Biological Diversity at www.cbd.int/gspc. The Trust is represented on the two key inter-agency committees that assess the conservation status of Understanding & documenting plant diversity species for legislative listing in the State: the NSW Scientific Committee (for terrestrial species) and Target 1: A widely accessible working list of known the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee (for aquatic plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora species). Other staff and associates regularly provide The National Herbarium of New South Wales is information that contributes to the assessments and the principal repository for documented samples legislative scheduling of threatened species and and data of the State’s plants and one of Australia’s communities at both State and Commonwealth level. most important repositories and botanical research centres. The Herbarium’s 1.2 million specimens form an authenticated scientific baseline of taxonomic,
40 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Target 3: Development of models with protocols for (vegetation) communities of NSW (Target 4). plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience The seed biology of species of the critically Scientific staff continue to contribute to the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland plants is development of model systems, training manuals, being documented through in situ and laboratory common data-repositories and long-term monitoring studies at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount projects of importance to vegetation management and Annan. This information contributes directly to conservation. Conservation ecology work is improving the management of other endangered ecological the ability to model species responses to habitat communities. change, including climate change (Target 7), while seed technology work contributes directly Target 7: Sixty per cent of the world’s threatened to the national repository of wild plant germplasm species conserved in situ and to capability for use of such material for species The Trust’s collections and databases provide conservation and ecological restoration (Target 8). much of the basic taxonomic, distributional and diagnostic information on which the recognition, Conserving plant diversity conservation assessment and management of plant species depends. Trust staff also provide expert input Target 4: At least 10 per cent of each of the world’s and research support to recovery plans and threat ecological regions effectively conserved abatement plans, and to the NSW Threatened Species Descriptors of the vegetation communities of over Priority Action Statement, as well as the proposed 80 per cent of the State’s land area (nearly all of review of the Priority Action Statements. NSW west of the Great Divide) is now documented through the NSW Native Vegetation Classification and The Trust is represented on several single-species Assessment, including close estimates of the proportion and single-community recovery teams, including the conserved and the potential threats they face. This Wollemi Pine Conservation Management Team and comprehensive review and typology of the State’s the Border Ranges Multi-Species Recovery Committee. ecological communities is now a standard reference for Staff are also active members of the IUCN Species conservation planning, including strategies for reserve Survival Commission Re-introduction Specialist Group acquisition. Ecological studies of communities across and the Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc. the Sydney Basin also continue. (ANPC).
The Trust is working with the Office of Environment Research programs with a direct bearing on adaptive and Heritage to improve the interoperability of management of wild plants in situ include: ecological data-sets and hence the information base available to land and conservation managers. • The seed biology of Cumberland Plain Woodland plants: providing information on Internationally, staff are members of the IUCN germination, dormancy, longevity and other Commission on Ecosystem Management, and the ecological characteristics of Cumberland Plain Re-introduction Specialist Group for the IUCN Species species for in situ management and recovery Survival Commission. actions • Conservation ecology and genetic research: Target 5: Protection of 50 per cent of the most molecular, ecological and environmental data important areas for plant diversity assured from rare and common paleoendemic NSW The Trust provides botanical and plant rainforest trees is being used to identify the pathology expertise and services that assists causes of rarity and to infer past patterns of in the assessment and management of reserve lands. spread and retreat with environmental changes. This helps to build models for assessment Target 6: At least 30 per cent of production lands of the responses of wild plant species to managed consistent with the conservation of plant environmental impacts such as habitat diversity fragmentation and climate change, and hence The NSW Native Vegetation Classification and informs management and recovery strategies Assessment project is progressively describing • Wollemi Pine ecological and pathological and classifying (but not mapping) the ecological studies: research and management of the
Annual Report 2010–11 41 iconic Wollemi Pine includes the study of grove Work and publication on the seed ecology and ecology and growth dynamics, and tracking biology of some alpine species continues, with a and treating an outbreak of Phytophthora focus on determining temperature ranges for the root-rot. germination of these species and their requirements for stratification, which is relevant to management in the Target 8: Sixty per cent of threatened plant species face of climate change. in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and 10 per cent of them included Long-term research also continues on the in recovery and restoration programs conservation of threatened orchid species through the The NSW Seedbank and the horticultural research unit isolation, culture and use of mycorrhizal fungi, and the at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan has development of appropriate tissue culture protocols for been a major focus of Trust conservation activity for threatened species that set no, or poor-quality, seed. several years. In 2010–11, the NSW Seedbank collected 223 new seed accessions, including 41 threatened Target 9: Seventy per cent of the genetic diversity of species. The forecast for new seed accessions of crops and other major socio-economically valuable threatened species for 2011–12 is 25. The Seedbank plant species conserved, and associated Indigenous now has samples of over 40 per cent of the 5,771 and local knowledge maintained native species that naturally occur in NSW. Of the Activity against this Target falls mainly under research legislatively listed threatened plant species in NSW, and training in plant pathology, and sharing Indigenous the Seedbank holds samples of over 35 per cent. knowledge and insights with the community through Germination tests are carried out on dried seed of teaching and interpretation. nearly all seedbanked species. A range of factors and tests for germinability and viability are performed and The Trust contributed to studies of diseases of recorded, providing baseline data of use in ex situ and crop plants such as Fusarium, and the potential for in situ conservation. pathogens to cross from native ecosystems to cropping systems. Several staff were involved in the national and Through the NSW Seedbank and the Centre for state response to the spread of the pathogenic fungus Plant Conservation, the Trust is an active partner in the Uredo rangelii (Myrtle Rust), which causes a rust disease Australian Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, which on species in the important Myrtaceae family. Working is continuing national cooperative seed-banking and with the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, the seed-research efforts. Trust played a major role in developing and delivering a series of awareness and training courses on Myrtle Planning for PlantBank at Mount Annan has Rust through regional NSW. These were well received continued this year, with construction scheduled to and attended by people from government agencies, commence at the end of 2011. This facility will provide Catchment Management Authorities, local government, expanded secure housing for the NSW Seedbank, and greenlife industries, ecological consultancies, will improve delivery of the Trust’s horticultural and community groups and utilities suppliers. See also seed research, conservation and education programs. Target 10.
Horticultural research at the Australian Botanic Target 10: Management plans in place for at least Garden, Mount Annan continues to focus on key 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant areas of relevance to environmental management communities and associated habitats and ecosystems at departmental, national and international levels, The Botanical Information Service continued to provide mainly in the area of germplasm (largely seed) expert identification of exotic and introduced weed conservation and utilisation. This includes studies species, working with external collaborators to ensure of the ‘recalcitrant’ (hard to store) seed of many the early detection of newly naturalising species. rainforest species. Screening protocols for rainforest seed have been developed and applied to determine The Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit provides their suitability for storage by conventional means; affordable diagnoses of plant diseases, including unsuitable (recalcitrant) seeds are being trialled for for natural area and species managers. A long-term alternative storage regimes, including tissue culture research focus is the distribution, pathology and and cryogenics. genetic variation of Phytophthora cinnamomi, which is a cause of root-rot and dieback in national parks
42 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust and other natural areas in eastern NSW as well as Promoting education and awareness about bushland reserves on Sydney Harbour foreshores. Trust plant diversity staff are active members of the NSW Phytophthora Threat Abatement Working Group and ad hoc liaison Target 14: The importance of plant diversity and groups with local councils and other land managers, the need for its conservation incorporated into and are working collaboratively to develop practical communication, educational and public-awareness management and risk minimisation protocols. The programs unit has also been a major contributor to the science Presentations by Trust staff to public and scientific or and education components of the response to the specialist audiences often have a conservation focus. detection in Australia of the major pathogen Myrtle For example, this year a series of 10 training events on Rust (Uredo rangelii) in 2010. Myrtle Rust helped to raise awareness of the threat this pathogen presents to species in the Myrtaceae family. The Trust was also represented on two inter- agency committees that assess threatening processes The Trust’s two scientific journals continue to (including those relating to alien species) for NSW document the taxonomic diversity of the State’s legislative listing as Key Threatening Processes. plants (Telopea) and their ecology (Cunninghamia). The Botanical Information Service provides prompt Using plant diversity sustainably and reliable identifications to public and professional inquirers, as does the Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit. Target 11: No species of wild flora endangered by This plays an important role in awareness raising, international trade particularly in relation to threatened species in The Botanical Information Service identifies plants for development zones. export-control authorities, providing expert forensic identification for plant import/export seizures and Education staff at all three botanic gardens delivered contributing to import risk assessment processes as school and public programs to over 80,000 people this required. The Trust is also represented on the NSW financial year, including almost 20,000 school students. Cut-flower Advisory Committee. Programs include structured educational activities with a plant or horticultural focus, on-site visitor Target 12: Thirty per cent of plant-based products interpretation, talks and guided tours, many of which derived from sources that are sustainably managed feature conservation and sustainability themes. This target is not relevant to the Trust except insofar as we are able to provide expert advice in some instances, Building capacity for the conservation of plant for assessment of sustainable yield. diversity
Target 13: The decline of plant resources, and Target 15: The number of trained people working associated Indigenous and local knowledge, with appropriate facilities in plant conservation innovations and practices that support sustainable increased, according to national needs, to achieve livelihoods, local food security and health care, the targets of this Strategy halted Staff in the plant sciences unit provide tertiary level The Trust advises government bodies on conservation professional and technical training and student priorities and opportunities, hosts relevant public supervision, and deliver guest lectures at various and specialist events, and has some staff expertise in universities, including a joint systematics course with Indigenous and non-Indigenous plant practices and the University of New England. cultural knowledge. When complete, the PlantBank facility at the The Trust provides advice, raw data and analysis on Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan will greatly which estimates of decline of wild plant species and increase the Trust’s capacity to train tertiary students vegetation communities can be scientifically based. The and to provide in-service training for community NSW Native Vegetation Classification and Assessment conservation practitioners. It will also allow the Trust to project, for example, provides a literature-based host more visiting scientists, promoting skills transfer assessment of post-settlement decline and current between Australian and overseas centres. reserve representation for recognised ecological communities.
Annual Report 2010–11 43 The Centre for Plant Conservation coordinates Rationale several aspects of Trust work on biodiversity conservation and is a focus for outreach and The Trust is a leading botanic garden in Australia and collaboration, especially with the Australian Network for internationally; it is relatively well resourced and has Plant Conservation Inc. (ANPC) in which the Trust has the capacity to help; it has good historical connections long played a major role. During the year, the Centre with countries in the Asia-Pacific region; and Australia for Plant Conservation contributed substantially to and New South Wales both have interests in the local the organisation and delivery of the ANPC’s national region that this could enhance. conference in Perth. The Centre also maintains close links with biodiversity conservation units within The Trust has strong links with some countries and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, as botanic gardens, for example Bogor and Singapore, well as agencies in other jurisdictions, and external and will use these relationships to further the program. conservation bodies such as the Australian Association Countries that have been identified as high priorities, of Bush Regenerators. due to historical linkages, proximity or need, include New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor and New Caledonia. For the fourth year, research staff from the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, delivered a three- Progress against actions day course in Plant Germplasm Conservation and Sustainable Development to honours year and post- Establish relationships opportunistically with botanic graduate students from the University of Sydney. The gardens within the region National Herbarium of NSW, supported by other units A development partnership was established with within the Trust, again ran the seven-week Plant Science Bidoup-Nuiba National Park in Vietnam in response Internship program for tertiary students over summer. to a request from the Director for assistance planning The program contributes directly to skills creation in a proposed new botanic garden. As Vietnam does not botanical and conservation science and practice, as have an established culture for botanic horticulture, interns perform useful curatorial and research support HSBC Australia provided support for four staff members in the Herbarium, plant pathology and at the Australian to visit Vietnam over 10 days in February to provide Botanic Garden. expert assistance for the project. The team spent three days in the field, in which time they met and worked Target 16: Networks for plant conservation activities with a range of directors and staff. This resulted in the established or strengthened at national, regional and drafting of a concept landscape plan and report that international levels will be used by Bidoup-Nuiba National Park to assist Trust staff are active at national and local leadership with future planning and funding submissions to the levels in the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, national government. The botanic garden is planned as this year particularly in education activities relating to the first of 30 to be developed in national parks across Myrtle Rust. Plant pathology staff are also working to Vietnam. It is anticipated that staff from Vietnam will develop Phytophthora awareness networks between come to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan local government, State agencies and other land and the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney for further management authorities. training in the future.
Staff from the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Appendix B Mount Tomah visited the Royal Botanical Gardens Serbithang and the Royal Botanical Park Lampelri in Asia-Pacific Capacity Bhutan in May, where they provided training in plant propagation, collection management and botanic Building Action Plan garden interpretation. Further opportunities for collaboration with Bhutan were agreed in an action Objective plan, including a reciprocal visit to Mount Tomah for further training in nursery management, and the To contribute to the long-term conservation of plants possibility of obtaining material to develop a Bhutanese and their habitats worldwide, by building capacity and plant display at Mount Tomah. sharing expertise among botanic gardens of the Asia- Pacific region.
44 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Develop a Diploma in Asia-Pacific Botanic Gardens Karen Wilson & Prof. Jeremy Bruhl (UNE): Phylogeny, Management with Singapore Botanic Gardens, taxonomy and biology of Schoenus: A Cinderella of Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Australian Cyperaceae; $150,000 (deferred 3rd year Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand of a 3-year $300,000 grant) This action is under review as partner organisations have not committed to future programs at this point. Dr Darren Crayn, Dr Maurizio Rossetto, Dr Peter Weston, Dr John Conran (Uni Adel), A/Prof. Santiago Prepare and implement procedures for overseas Madriñan (Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia), visitors and a modular program for short-term stays Dr Henk van der Werff (Missouri Botanical Garden, St. by visiting botanic garden professionals, including Louis MI, USA) plus retirees Bernie Hyland & Bruce Gray accommodation options at the Trust’s estates (rainforest botanists CSIRO, Qld): Integrating molecular Procedures are in place and are adapted according to and morphological data for generic delimitation and visitor needs and resource availability. species identification in Lauraceae; $150,000 (3rd year of a 3-year $300,000 grant) Integrate the Asia-Pacific Capacity Building program, along with any other international training projects Prof. Pauline Y. Ladiges, Dr Marco F. Duretto & Dr for botanic gardens, in the proposed Centre for Michael Bayly: Molecular phylogeny and infrageneric Plant Conservation and Research classification of Zieria (Rutaceae), with emphasis on The Trust has commenced preliminary discussions with relationships of endangered, narrow endemic taxa; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh regarding the $10,000 (1st year of a $30,000 grant) establishment of a collaborative partnership to deliver a Certificate in Practical Horticulture and Field Botany Australian Flora Foundation training in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Cathy Offord: Germination of Australian alpine species and implications in a changing climate; $12,000 Development of interactive identification tools for (2nd year of a 2-year $24,000 grant) common trees of Papua New Guinea Dr Barry Conn continued to lead a long-term collaborative Australian Geographic research project with the Papua New Guinea Forest Peter Cuneo & Dr Cathy Offord: Seed Quest NSW Research Institute in Lae. During the year the team studied partnership; $10,000 mid-altitude tree species (at 500–800 m elevation) near the community of Kamiali in the Morobe Province. One Australian Research Council – Linkage Grant hundred plants were examined in the field of which six are Dr Andy Lowe, Dr Maurizio Rossetto & Dr Brett very rare species and three appear to be new to science. Summerell: Species and gene turnover across The diagnostic features of each tree species are checked environmental gradients — a landscape‑level approach to against authenticated collections at the Papua New Guinea quantify biodiversity and resilience for climate adaptation; National Herbarium (LAE) and the National Herbarium of $140,000 (1st year of a 3 year $342,000 grant) New South Wales (NSW). Along with new photographs of many species, this work improves and extends the Department of Industry and Investment preparation of the interactive identification tool. Early Detection Botanist Project; $71,250
Caring for our Country Grant Appendix C Jacqueline Reid (Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Parks & Wildlife Group) & Dr Edward Research Grants Liew: Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: Management, Protection and Preservation. Grant funding to the Trust Phytophthora Dieback component; $150,000 (1st year of a 2-year grant) Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) Dr Elizabeth Brown & Dr Matthew Renner Gosford City Council – Ecological Research Grant (Postdoctoral Fellowship grant): A molecular and Dr Karen Sommerville: Restoration potential and morphological investigation of species limits in genetic diversity of Diuris bracteata; $18,700 Australian Radula (Radulaceae: Jungermanniiae); $75,000 (1st year of a $225,000 3-year grant)
Annual Report 2010–11 45 Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Dr Peter Wilson: Flora Malesiana Symposium in Peter Cuneo & Dr Cathy Offord: Seed Quest NSW Singapore; fieldwork in Sabah, Malaysia 23 Aug.–13 partnership; $67,000 Sep.; $4,000
Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) Research & Dr Maurizio Rossetto: 2010 International Meeting of Development Grant the Association for Tropical Biology & Conservation, 19–23 Prof David Guest (University of Sydney) & Dr Edward July, Sanur, Indonesia to present paper: ‘What can genetic Liew: Biology and Management of Nut Rot of diversity, habitat preference and traits tell us about changes Chestnut; $12,000 (final year) in the temporal distribution of rainforest trees?’ $3,000
Hermon Slade Foundation Dr Barry Conn: surveying the Stinging Nettle family Dr Maurizio Rossetto & Dr Peter Weston: Speciation (Urticaceae), Java Indonesia 14 Mar.–9 Apr.; $7,000 in the Australian flora: testing explanatory hypotheses in waratahs and their allies; $25,000 (3rd year of a Margaret Flockton Award & Exhibition 3-year $80,000 grant) $10,000
Slade Orchid Fund Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Dr Karen Sommerville: Terrestrial Orchid Conservation; $30,000 Dr Cathy Offord & Dr Kim Hamilton: ‘Rainforest Seed Project’: rainforest seeds research and conservation Natural Resources Advisory Council of NSW project; $130,000 (3rd year of a 3-year $390,000 grant) John Benson: Preliminary compilation of literature on provided by Allianz and private benefactors, Tony vegetation types on the NSW South Eastern highlands Maxwell and Robyn Godlee and Australian Alps bioregions in preparation for assessment and classification of the vegetation in those bioregions for data entry in the NSWVCA Appendix D database in 2010; $60,000 (carried forward to 2010–11) Publications
NSW Environmental Trust Dissemination Grant Science Dr Edward Liew: Educational work to minimise and manage the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi; Telopea (a journal of systematic research) and $28,155 (one year grant) Cunninghamia (a journal of plant ecology for eastern Australia), each published twice a year, are available by Millennium Seed Bank, Kew subscription or on exchange to other organisations. Peter Cuneo & Dr Cathy Offord: Seed Quest NSW partnership; $87,750 General
Friends of the Gardens Botanic Gardens of Sydney Guidebook (2005)
Research Grants The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Sculpture Trail: A NSW Herbarium Internship Program; $14,000 walk amongst the passing passions & abiding values of Sydney (2011) Dr Maurizio Rossetto: ‘Bicentenary Plant Diversity Project’ to collect representative Australian flora, curate Both publications are available from the Trust’s relevant herbarium section and conduct research on Garden shops. Some earlier publications may be the association between climate gradients and genetic available upon request. diversity; $125,000 (3rd year of a 3-year $375,000 grant) Academic Papers Scientific Travel Scholarships Dr Cathy Offord: 28th International Horticultural Albrecht, D.E., Owens, C.T., Weiller, C.M. & Quinn, C.J. Congress in Lisbon, Portugal 22–27 Aug. 2010; (2010) Generic concepts in Ericaceae: Styphelioideae – Millennium Seedbank, United Kingdom; $8,627 the Monotoca group. Australian Systematic Botany 23:
46 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust 320–332 doi:10.1071/SB10009. Benson, J.S. & Maguire, O. (2011) Literature review of vegetation Literature Review of the Vegetation of the Amata, R.L., Burgess, L.W., Summerell, B.A., western South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps Bullock, S., Liew, E.C.Y. & Smith-White, J.L. (2010) An Bioregions: Towards Part 4 of the New South Wales emended description of Fusarium brevicatenulatum Vegetation Classification and Assessment Database and F. pseudoanthophilum based on isolates recovered project (NSWVCA). Report to the NSW Natural from millet in Kenya. Fungal Diversity 43: 11–25. Resources Advisory Council.
Archer, A.W. & Elix, J.A. (2010) Three new species Briggs, B.G. (2011) Ecdeiocolea rigens, a new and four new reports in the Australian Pertusariaceae. species of Ecdeiocoleaceae (Poales) from Western Australasian Lichenology 67: 14–22. Australia. Telopea 13: 69–75.
Ashmore, S.E., Hamilton, K.N & Offord, C.A. Briggs, B.G., Marchant, A.D. & Perkins, A. (2011) Conservation technologies for safeguarding and (2010) Phylogeny and features in Restionaceae, restoring threatened flora: case studies from Eastern Centrolepidaceae and Anarthriaceae (the restiid Australia. In Vitro Cellular and Development Biology – clade of Poales), in: O. Seberg et al. (eds) Diversity, Plant 47: 99–109. Phylogeny and Evolution in the Monocotyledons. Aarhus University Press, pp. 357–388. Barkworth, M.E. & Jacobs, S.W.L. (2011) The Triticeae (Graminae) in Australia. Telopea 13: 37–56. Brophy, J.J., Golsack, R.J., Palá-Paúl, J., Copeland, L.M. & Lassak, E.V. (2010) Essential oil Beckers, D. & Offord, C.A. (2010) Waratah theft in composition of three Australian endemic species of Brisbane Waters National Park – An analysis of the blue Darwinia (Myrtaceae). Natural Product Communications paint poaching reduction program. Cunninghamia 11: 5: 1833–6. 287–294. Byrne, M., Steane, D., Joseph, L., Yeates, D., Bensch, K., Groenewald, J.Z., Dijksterhuis, J., Jordan, G.J., Crayn, D., Aplin, K., Cantrill, D., Starink-Willemse, M., Andersen, B., Summerell, B.A., Cook, L.G., Crisp, M.D., Keogh, J.S., Melville, J., Shin, H.-D., Dugan, F.M., Schroers, H.-J. & Braun, P.W. Moritz, C., Porch, N., Sniderman, J.M.K., Sunnucks, P. (2010) Species and ecological diversity within the & Weston, P.H. (2011) Decline of a biome: evolution, Cladosporium cladosporioides complex (Davidiellaceae, contraction, fragmentation, extinction and invasion Capnodiales). Studies in Mycology 67: 1–94. of the Australian mesic zone biota. Journal of Biogeography 38: 1635–1656. Benson, D. & Hager, T. (2011) The Eucalypts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: Cabrera, J., Jacobs, S.W.L. & Kadereit, G. (2011) distribution, classification and habitats of species of Biogeography of Camphorosmeae (Chenopodiaceae): Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia recorded in its tracking the Tertiary history of Australian aridification. eight conservation reserves. Cunninghamia 11: 425–445. Telopea 13: 313–326.
Benson, J. (2010) Knowledge, regulation and Cheewangkoon, R., Groenewald, J.Z., incentives in protecting temperate grassy woodlands: Verkley, G.J.M., Hyde, K.D., Wingfield, M.J., six lessons from New South Wales, in: D. Lindenmayer, Gryzenhout, M., Summerell, B.A., Denman, S., A. Bennett & R. Hobbs (eds) Temperate Woodland Toanun, C. & Crous, P.W. (2010) Re-evaluation of Conservation and Management. CSIRO Publishing: Cryptosporiopsis eucalypti and Cryptosporiopsis- Melbourne, pp. 343–352. like species occurring on Eucalyptus leaves. Fungal Diversity 44: 89–105. Benson, J.S., Richards, P.G., Waller, S. & Allen, C.B. (2011) New South Wales Vegetation classification and Conn, B.J. & Damas, K. (2010) Goniothalamus Assessment: Part 3 Plant communities of the NSW amplifolius (Annonaceae) a new species from Papua Brigalow Belt, Nandewar and west New England New Guinea. Telopea 12: 505–510. Bioregions and update of NSW Western Plains and South-western slopes plant communities, Version 3 of Conn, B.J. & Duval, D.J. (2010) Mentha atrolilacina, a the NSWVCA database. Cunninghamia 11: 457–579. new species from South Australia. Telopea 12: 521–524.
Annual Report 2010–11 47 Conn, B.J., Henwood, M.J. & Streiber, N. Garden’s Bulletin Singapore 62: 49–57. (2011) Synopsis of the tribe Chloantheae and new nomenclatural combinations in Pityrodia s.lat. Hyde, K.W., Chomnunti, P., Crous, P.W., (Lamiaceae). Australian Systematic Botany 24: 1–9. Groenewald, J.Z., Damm, U., Ko Ko, T.W., Shivas, R.G., Summerell, B.A. & Tan, Y.P. (2010) A case for re-inventory Cooper, E.D., Shaw, A.J., Shaw, B., Henwood, M.J., of Australia’s plant pathogen. Persoonia 25: 50–60. Heslewood, M.M. & Brown, E.A. (2011) A multi-locus molecular phylogeny of the Lepidoziaceae: laying Jacobs, S.W.L. & Hellquist, C.B. (2011) New the foundations for a stable classification. Molecular species, possible hybrids and intergrades in Australian Phylogenetics and Evolution 59: 489–509. Nymphaea (Nymphaeaceae) with a key to all species. Telopea 13: 233–24. Crous, P.W., Tanaka, K., Summerell, B.A. & Groenewald, J.Z. (2011) Additions to the James, E.A., Brown, G.K., Citroen, R., Rossetto, M. Mycosphaerella complex. IMA Fungus 2: 59–74. & Porter, C. (2011) Development of microsatellite loci in Triglochin procera (Juncaginaceae), a polyploidy Cuneo, P., Offord, C.A. & Leishman, M.R. (2010) wetland plant. Conservation Genetics Resources 3: Seed ecology of the invasive woody plant African 103–105. Olive (Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata): implications for management and restoration. Australian Journal of Jobson, R.W. & Qiu, L-Y (2011) Amino acid Botany 58: 342–348. doi: 10.107/BT10061. compositional shifts during streptophyte transitions to terrestrial habitats. Journal of Molecular Evolution 72: Duretto, M.F. (2011) The application of Bernard 204–214. Boiven’s Tasmanian names in Westringia (Lamiaceae). Kanunnah 4: 8992. Kooyman, R., Rossetto, M., Cornwell, W. & Westoby, M. (2011) Phylogenetic tests of community Gibson, R.P., Conn, B.J. & Conran, J.G. (2010) assembly across regional 1 to continental scales Drosera hookeri R.P. Gibson, B.J. Conn & J.G. Conran, in tropical and sub-tropical rainforests. Global a replacement name for Drosera foliosa Hook.f. Ecology and Biogeography doi: 10.1111/j.1466- ex Planch. nom. illeg. (Droseraceae) Journal of the 8238.2010.00641.x. Adelaide Botanic Gardens 24: 39–42. Laurence, M.H., Summerell, B.A., Burgess, L.W. Givnish, T.J., Ames, M. McNeal, J.R. McKain, M.R., & Liew, E.C.Y. (2011) Fusarium burgessii sp. nov. Steele, P.R. dePamphilis, C.W., Steele, P.R., representing a novel lineage in the genus Fusarium. Graham, S.W., Pires, J.C., Stevenson, D.W., Fungal Diversity. DOI: 10.1007/s13225-011-0093-1. Zomlefer, W.B., Briggs, B.G., Duvall, M.R., Moore, M.J., Heaney, J.M., Solitis, P.S., Thiele, K. & Ling, J.E. & Jacobs, S.W.L. (2011) Testing and Leebens-Mack, J.H. (2010) Assembling the Tree of developing a wetland assessment index in southeast monocotyledons: plastome sequence phylogeny and Australia using aquatic plants. Telopea 13: 257–275. evolution of Poales. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 97: 584–616. Martyn, A.J., Sommerville, K.D. & Offord, C.A. (2011) Effects of stratification and temperature on Glenny, D., Fife, A.J., Brownsey, P.J., germination of high altitude species from Kosciuszko Renner, M.A.M., Braggins, J.E., Beever, J.E. & National Park: Final report to the Australian Flora Hitchmough, R. (2011) Threatened and uncommon Foundation (19 pp). aff.org.au. bryophytes of New Zealand (2010 revision). New Zealand Journal of Botany 49: 305–327. Mellick, R., Lowe, A. & Rossetto, M. (2011) Consequences of long- and short-term fragmentation Gray, A.M. & Duretto, M.F. (2011) Limonium on the genetic diversity and differentiation of a late australe var. baudinii A.M. Gray, a new combination in successional rainforest conifer. Australian Journal of Plumbaginaceae. Kanunnah 4: 117–118. Botany 59: 351–362.
Hadiah, J.T. & Conn, B.J. (2010) Lectotypification Michael, P.W. (2009) Echinochloa colona versus of Elatostema subscabrum H. Schroet. (Urticaceae). “Echinochloa colonum” (Poaceae). Taxon 58: 1366–1368.
48 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Nguyen, V.T., Liew, E.C.Y. & Burgess, L.W. (2010). Sudarmono & Conn, B.J. (2010) Genetic variation Characterisation of Phytophthora capsici isolates from of populations of Scutellaria slametensis (Lamiaceae), black pepper in Vietnam. Fungal Biology 114: 160–170. Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. Garden’s Bulletin Singapore 62: 163–179. Renner, M.A.M., Brown, E.A. & Wardle, G.M. (2010) The Lejeunea tumida species group (Lejeuneaceae: Sudarmono & Conn, B.J. (2010) Scutellaria Jungermanniopsida) in New Zealand. Australian slametensis (Lamiaceae) a new species from Central Systematic Botany 23: 443–462. doi:10.1071/SB10037. Java, Indonesia. Telopea 12: 463–468.
Renner, M.A.M., Brown, E.A. & Wardle, G.M. Summerell, B.A., Laurence, M.H., Liew, E.C.Y. & (2011) The Lejeunea tumida species group is positively Leslie, J.F. (2010) Biogeography and phylogeography polyphyletic. (Lejeuneaceae: Jungermanniopsida) of Fusarium: a review. Fungal Diversity 44: 3–13. Australian Systematic Botany 24: 10–18. Summerell, B.A., Leslie, J.F., Liew, E.C.Y., Renner, M.A.M. & Pócs, T. (2011) Cololejeunea Laurence, M.H., Bullock, S., Petrovic, T., Bentley, A.R., grossepapillosa (Lejeuneaceae: Jungermanniopsida), Howard, C.G., Peterson, S.A., Walsh, J.L. & an inconspicuous species new for New Zealand. New Burgess, L.W. (2010) Fusarium species associated with Zealand Journal of Botany 49: 295–303. plants in Australia. Fungal Diversity 44: 3–13. DOI 10.1007/s13225-010-0075-8. Reut, M.S. & Jobson, R.W. (2010) A phylogenetic study of subgenus Polypompholyx: a parallel radiation Teerawatananon, A. & Jacobs, S.W.L. & Hodksinson, of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) throughout Australasia. T. (2011) Phylogenetics of Panicoideae (Poaceae) an Australian Systematic Botany 23: 152–161. uncommon, habitat restricted new species from the Pilbara Bioregion of Western Australia. Telopea 13: Rodríguez, J.P., Rodríguez-Clark, K.M., Baillie, J.E.M., 143–148. Ash, N., Benson. J., Boucher, T., Brown, C., Burgess, N., Collen, B., Jennings, M., Keith, D.A., Nicholson. E., Thurlby, K.A.G., Connelly, C., Wilson, P.G. & Revenga, C., Rouget, M., Smith, T., Spalding, M., Rossetto, M. (2011) Development of microsatellite Reyers. B., Taber, A., Walpole, A., Zager, I. & Zamin, T. loci for Syzygium paniculatum (Myrtaceae), a rare (2011) Towards Red List Criteria for Threatened polyembryonic rainforest tree. Conservation Genetics Ecosystems. Conservation Biology 25: 21–29. Resources 3: 205–208.
Rossetto, M. & Kooyman, R.M. (2011) Predicting Tombe, M. & Liew, E.C.Y. (2010). Fungal Diseases distributions by analysing evolutionary, functional and of Vanilla, in: E. Odoux & M. Grisoni (eds) Vanilla environmental information – a review of population (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industry Profiles). CRC genetic studies on the Australian rainforest flora, in: J.A. Press, Taylor & Francis Group, USA. Daniels (ed.) Chapter 11, Advances in Environmental Research, Volume 9. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., pp. van der Merwe, M., Spain, C.S. & Rossetto, M. 305–322. (2010) Enhancing the survival and expansion potential of a founder population through clonality. New Rossetto, M., Thurlby, K.A.G., Offord, C.A., Phytologist 188: 868–878. Allen, C.B. & Weston, P.H. (2011) The impact of distance and a shifting temperature gradient on genetic Vis, M.L., Feng, J., Chiasson, W.B., Xie, S.- connectivity across a heterogeneous landscape. BMC L., Stancheva, R., Entwisle, T.J., Chou, J.-Y. & Evolutionary Biology 11: 126. Wang, W.L. (2010). Investigation of the molecular and morphological variability in Batrachospermum arcuatum Snow, N. & Wilson, P.G. (2010) Two new species of (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from geographically Myrtaceae from Papua New Guinea. Telopea 12: 453–461. distant locations. Phycologia 49: 545–553.
Sparrius, L.B., Elix, J.A. & Archer, A.W. (2010) Walsh, J., Laurence, M., Liew, E., Sangalang, A., Austrographa, a new genus in the Roccellaceae with Burgess, L., Summerell, B. & Petrovic, T. (2010) Fusarium: three species from Australia. Australasian Lichenology two endophytic novel species from tropical grasses of 67: 23–28. northern Australia. Fungal Diversity 44: 149–159.
Annual Report 2010–11 49 Wang, B., Brubaker, C.L., Summerell, B.A., Hatherly, J. (2010) Community Greening. The Thrall, P.H. & Burdon, J.J. (2010) Local origin of two Botanic Garden 28: 4–6. vegetative compatibility groups of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum in Australia. Evolutionary Applications McCallum, C. (2010) Latham’s Snipe avoid the natural 3: 505–524. vegetation at Mount Annan Botanic Garden. The Botanic Garden 27: 15. Williams, R.J., Allen, C.B. & Kelleway, J. (2011) Saltmarsh of the Parramatta River–Sydney Harbour: Siemon, J. (2011) Traveling for Conservation. The determination of cover and species composition Gardens (Autumn 2011): 14–15. including comparison of API and pedestrian survey. Cunninghamia 12: 29–43. Stocks, D. (2011) The National Strategy and Action Plan for the Role of Australia’s Botanic Gardens in Adapting to Wilson, K.L. (2011) New species in the Eleocharis family Climate Change. The Botanic Garden 29: 5–6. (family Cyperaceae) in Australia. Telopea 13: 295–312.
Wilson, P.G. (2011) Myrtaceae, in: K. Kubitzki, Appendix E (ed.) Families and Genera of Vascular Plants vol. 10. Springer-Verger: Berlin, pp. 212–271. Environmental Management
Wilson, P.G. & Barrett, R.L. (2010) (1946) Proposal The Trust supports principles of ecological sustainable to conserve the name Calectasia intermedia against development and is committed to achieving best Scaryomyrtus hexamera (Calectasiaceae). Taxon 59: 1279. practice in environmental management in all of its operations, partnerships and programs. Under the Wilson, P.G. & Rowe, R. (2011) New taxa and Office of Environment and Heritage Sustainability typifications inIndigofera (Fabaceae) for South Australia. Action Plan, the Trust has adopted targets and Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens 24: 67–73. strategies to reduce its environmental footprint and to conserve water and energy across the whole Zaubin, R., Tombe, M. & Liew, E.C.Y. (2010). Vanilla organisation. The Trust also contributes through Production in Indonesia, in: E. Odoux & M. Grisoni sharing information and analysis of its energy and water (eds) Vanilla (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industry consumption and waste, recycling and purchasing data. Profiles). CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, USA. Water use General Articles Annual potable water use (kilolitres): Archer, A.W. (2010) The Rt. Rev. James Hannington, 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 D.D., F.L.S., F.R.G.S, collector, missionary and martyr. British The Royal Botanic 96,135 147,852 109,455 86,806 Lichen Society Bulletin no. 107 (Winter 2010): 18–19. Garden, Sydney The Australian 18,313 23,548 15,763 14,979 Baum, M., Weston, P. & Rossetto, M. (2010) Botanic Garden, Hunting for Lomatia. The Gardens 86: 13. Mount Annan The Blue N/A N/A N/A N/A Cuneo, P. (2010) A Green vision for Mount Annan. Mountains The Botanic Garden 27: 14. Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah 1
Entwisle, T.J. (2010) Close up Odd Spot. The 1 All water used at the BMBGMT is captured on-site. Gardens 86: 11.
Entwisle, T.J. (2011) Close-up with Tim Entwisle: In 2010 Sydney recorded its wettest year since 2007 Bottles, Boabs and Boababs. The Gardens (Autumn resulting in significantly reduced potable water use at the 2011): 13. Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. The Blue Mountains Botanic Entwisle, T.J. (2011) Tim moves on. The Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah uses only water collected on the Garden 29: 3. site for both irrigation and domestic use.
50 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust The current rate of potable water use for irrigation Chambers. An energy audit is being planned for the at the Royal Botanic Garden is the best achievable Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney to identify areas where result without additional infrastructure or negative energy consumption can be reduced. impacts on the living collections; however, processes across the Sydney estate were reviewed and Sustainable horticulture horticulturalists will be provided with further training to reinforce best practice. The Trust promotes sustainable gardening practices by developing garden themes that use low maintenance Controlled potable water used at the Australian plant species and displays that use recycled Botanic Garden, Mount Annan was compromised landscaping materials where practical. Plant selection through May and June by the closure of the canal also considers susceptibility to pests and diseases, from which irrigation water is sourced, and the theft of significantly reducing the Trust’s use of toxic chemicals. copper cabling and brass fittings from the associated A range of predatory insects continues to be used to pump station. control pests and disease in the Rose Garden, while bicarbonate of soda and organics oils are used roses
Energy consumption and CO2 emissions in preference to applying fungicides to roses. Active use of a steam weeder at the Sydney estate has also Annual electricity consumption (kWh): reduced herbicide usage. 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 Disease-free green waste, woody materials, and The Royal Botanic 2,151,262 1,896,805 1,909,450 3,006,106 Garden, Sydney packaging and cardboard used on-site are recycled to produce compost and mulch wherever possible across The Australian 596,196 545,264 544,547 574,141 Botanic Garden, the three estates. Mount Annan The Blue 207,415 187,429 206,387 187,956 Sustainable event management Mountains Botanic Garden, Ensuring the environmental sustainability of events Mount Tomah on its estates is a key goal for the Trust. Venue management focused on educating clients on the
Annual CO2 emissions (tonnes): use of biodegradable or recyclable packaging, and 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 consideration of sponsorship giveaways. The latter is a considerable challenge when sponsorship is The Royal Botanic 2,269 1,978 2,038 3,238 Garden, Sydney1 given on the proviso that a product is distributed at an event; however, the Trust successfully stopped The Australian 581 532 531 560 Botanic Garden, thousands of plastic bottles, fans, glow-sticks and other Mount Annan paraphernalia being given away over the year. The Blue 202 183 201 183 Mountains The Trust also encourages event organisers to use Botanic Garden, 100 per cent GreenPower for public events staged at Mount Tomah the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. During the main summer event season, the Domain kiosk switches 1 CO2 emissions at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney includes production from gas consumption to GreenPower. Toilets at Mrs Macquaries Point also convert to Green Power for Open Air Cinema in January and February. As part of an ongoing energy efficiency program, the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan installed new security lighting in the nursery and depot area. New environmentally friendly 48 watt units replaced mercury vapour lighting that used 70 watt bulbs. At the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, a 10 KW grid-connected solar power system was installed on the roof of the visitor centre, with funding from Geoffrey and Rachel O’Conor and Margaret and Carrick
Annual Report 2010–11 51 Appendix F projects, with the students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Public School involved in the Yurabirong Two Ways Together launch returning to the Garden to learn about careers in science and horticulture. Aboriginal artists and The Trust supports Two Ways Together, the NSW performers were also engaged in the Sydney Morning Government’s 10-year Aboriginal Affairs Plan (2003– Herald Autumn of the Arts festival. 2012) to improve the lives of Aboriginal people and their communities. The plan requires Government agencies to work with Aboriginal people to ensure that Appendix G services are accessible and culturally appropriate, and recognises that services need to work in partnership. Human Resource Information Trends in the distribution of EEO groups The Trust supports Indigenous employment and currently there are Aboriginal horticulturalist % of total staff* apprentices in identified positions, one at each of the EEO group Benchmark 30 30 30 30 Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, the Australian Botanic / Target June June June June 2011 2010 2009 2008 Garden, Mount Annan, and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. One full-time permanent Women 50.0 44.3 47 47.2 N/A Aboriginal education officer and four casual Aboriginal Aboriginal people 2.6 2.7 3.0 2.1 N/A education assistants are also employed to deliver and Torres Strait school and public programs interpreting Aboriginal Islanders cultural heritage at the Trust’s estates. Over the last People whose first 19.0 4.7 6 6.2 N/A year, they conducted 233 Aboriginal-themed school language is not English lessons and heritage tours for over 5,000 participants. People with a N/A 5.0 6 6.7 N/A disability Aboriginal education officers also led programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and adult People with 1.5 1.2 1.3 1.3 N/A a disability visitors during the year. These included the Gondwana requiring a Voices Indigenous Childrens’ Choir, UNSW Nura Gili work-related winter school program and artists from remote areas adjustment attending AGNSW arts program. They also conducted * Excludes casual staff. Aboriginal cultural heritage tours as part of Cultural Awareness Training for over 150 staff for the Office of Trends in the representation of EEO groups Environment and Heritage. Distribution Index* for total staff**
Survival/Australia Day was commemorated on 26 EEO group Benchmark 30 30 30 30 June June June June January with the annual Woggan-ma-gule morning 2011 2010 2009 2008 ceremony at Farm Cove, involving approximately 50 Women 100 109 106 108 N/A Aboriginal dancers and performers, including many children from different Aboriginal language groups. Over Aboriginal people 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A and Torres Strait 1,500 members of the public attended. Harmony Day Islanders celebrations, in partnership with the City of Sydney on People whose first 100 N/A 94 N/A N/A 21 March, also involved participants from many cultural language is not backgrounds. Annual Sorry Day events at the Australian English Botanic Garden at Mount Annan on 26 May were again People with a 100 N/A N/A 100 N/A well attended by the local Aboriginal community. All of disability these collaborative public programs were facilitated by People with 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A the Trust’s Aboriginal education officers. a disability requiring a Interpretation of Sydney’s Aboriginal cultural heritage work-related adjustment was improved by two new sculptural installations in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Aboriginal performers * A Distribution Index of 100 indicates that the centre of the helped to launch both the Yurabirong and Wurrungwuri distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to
52 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group Lost time injuries tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the 2010–11 2009–10 2008–09 2007–08 lower the index will be. In some cases the index may be more than 100, indicating that the EEO group is less concentrated at lower Total 15 8 15 13 salary levels. The Distribution Index is not calculated where EEO group or non-EEO group numbers are less than 20. Average 1.25 0.67 1.25 1.08
** Excludes casual staff. Average frequency rate 22 14 29 27
Staffing Statistics Over the past few years, field books have been used 30 30 30 30 by all outdoor staff to check work areas and report June June June June 2011 2010 2009 2008 hazards, potential hazards and near misses. This has enabled prompt recording and action to implement 151 Horticulturists/rangers 145 146 132 safety measures across all areas. The field books have Senior officers 4 4 3 4 also heightened safety awareness amongst staff while Senior executive service 1 2 2 2 greater emphasis on reporting near misses has allowed Other* 130 137 130 128 the Trust to address issues before they result in injuries to staff, property or the public. Total 286 288 281 266 The numbers reported are full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. WorkSafeOnline — the cross-organisational web- based occupational health and safety system for *Other includes building and mechanical trades staff, clerical staff, casual teachers, education officers, herbarium assistants, librarian, capturing and managing incidents, hazards and sales and information staff, scientific officers and technical officers. workplace audits — has now been implemented across all sites. Information from staff field books is Location of Officers entered into the system, which has proven to be a very effective method of capturing information and Location 30 30 30 30 June June June June reporting issues for prompt attention. The system 2011 2010 2009 2008 promotes a better safety culture by making the The Royal Botanic 196 193 191 178 reporting and follow-up to safety incidents and hazards Garden, Sydney simpler and more effective. The Blue Mountains 37 39 35 34 Botanic Garden, Mount Working Together: the NSW Public Sector Workplace Tomah Health and Safety and Injury Management Strategy The Australian Botanic 53 56 55 54 2010–2012 has set targets to reduce injury, death, Garden, Mount Annan property damage and associated costs across six key Total 286 288 281 266 action areas:
The numbers reported are full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. • Management responsibility, leadership and reporting • Workplace health and safety policy and Appendix H processes • Injury management policy and processes Occupational Health • Information, instruction and training • Identification and management of priority & Safety issues • Regular review of systems The Trust has a safe working culture, strong in systems, skills and improving safety behaviours. This culture Under these guidelines, the Trust continues to look is reflected in the statistics, with the average and for ways to reduce injury in the work place and send total number of lost time injuries being maintained at all staff and visitors home as healthy, or healthier, than relatively low levels over the last four years. when they arrived.
Annual Report 2010–11 53 Appendix I Account Payment Performance
Age analysis at the end of each quarter
Quarter Current ($’000) Less than 30 days Between 30 & Between 60 & More than 90 overdue ($’000) 60 days overdue 90 days overdue days overdue ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) September 144 136 8 0 0 December 240 238 2 0 0 March 339 336 3 0 0 June 485 485 0 0 0
Accounts paid on time within each quarter
Quarter Target % Actual % $ Paid on time $ Total amount paid ($’000) ($’000) September 85 95 11,893 12,109 December 85 97 6,000 6,204 March 85 94 6,701 7,050 June 85 96 6,183 6,284 NB: Target % to Actual % is based on the number of invoices, not their dollar value.
The Trust was not required to pay interest to creditors due to the late payment of accounts during the Appendix L year, and will not implement any actions to improve performance. Consultancies
Consultancies equal to or more than $50,000
Appendix J Name of Consultant Project Title Cost Trustee’s Disclosure Guy Taylor Corporate Identity $62,360 Root Projects Australia Children’s Garden $107,688 The Trust met on five occasions in 2010–11. There were Business Case no declarations of conflict of interest or gifts received SGS Economics & Tropical Centre $54,759 from any member throughout the year. Planning Business Case
Appendix K Consultancies less than $50,000 • Total number and value of Consultants less Corporate Credit Card Use than $50,000 is nine (9) for $36,728.
In accordance with Treasurer’s Direction 205.01, it is certified that credit card usage by officers of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust has been in accordance with the appropriate government policy, Premier’s Memoranda and Treasurer’s Directions.
54 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Appendix M Overseas Travel
Name & Position Countries/ cities Purpose of visit Duration Total Cost to Source of other funds visited cost the Trust
Dr Maurizio Rossetto, Sanur, Indonesia To attend conference on tropical biodiversity: 18–24 Jul. $ 3,000 Nil Friends of the Botanic Manager Evolutionary surviving the food, energy and climate crisis in Gardens Ecology Sanur Dr Edward Liew, Manager Edinburgh, UK To attend the 7th International Mycological 31 Jul.– N/A Nil Self funded Plant Pathology Congress 6 Aug. Dr Brett Summerell, Edinburgh, UK, To present paper and attend the 7th 30 Jul.–23 $ 3,000 $ 1,500 International Dendrology Director Science & Public Netherlands & International Mycological Congress Aug. Society Programs Italy To promote the International Botanical Congress $ 1,000 International Botanical in Australia in 2011 Congress To visit the Darwin Centre at the Natural History $ 500 Centraalbureau voor Museum, London; the Royal Botanic Gardens Schimmelcultures, Kew and the Millennium Seedbank Netherlands To visit research collaborators in the Netherlands $ 600 Instituto Tossine e Micot, and Italy on joint research initiatives in taxonomy CNR, Bari, Italy of fungi diseases John Siemon, Science United Kingdom To participate in a study tour in order to build 4–25 Aug. $ 10,000 Nil Friends of the Botanic Facilities Coordinator PlantBank Gardens Dr Allan Millar, Principal Kobe, Japan To lecture University students on macroalgae 6–12 Aug. $ 5,500 Nil Research Centre for Inland Research Scientist Seas, University of Kobe To undertake field work to collect specimens for National Herbarium of NSW Dr Kim Hamilton, Kew, UK & Lisbon, To attend meetings at the Millennium SeedBank 10–30 Aug. $ 6,800 Nil Royal Botanic Gardens Rainforest Seed Project Portugal at Kew Foundation Coordinator To conduct analytical tests on seeds at the Millennium SeedBank To attend the International Horticultural Congress in Lisbon Dr Cathy Offord, Manager Kew, UK & Lisbon, To attend meetings at the Millennium SeedBank 10–31 Aug. $ 9,098 Nil Horticulture Australia Ltd Horticultural Research Portugal at Kew and Friends of the Botanic Gardens To attend the International Horticultural Congress in Lisbon Dr Tim Entwisle, Executive Beijing, China To participate in Beijing Royal Gardens Festival 17–21 Aug. $ 6,000 Nil Beijing Botanical Garden Director & Workshop Dr Barry Conn, Principal Singapore To attend the 8th Flora Malesiana Symposium 20 Aug.– $3,000 $3,000 Friends of the Botanic Research Scientist 1 Sep. Gardens Dr Peter Wilson, Senior Singapore & To attend the 8th Flora Malesiana Symposium, 22 Aug.– $ 4,000 Nil Friends of the Botanic Research Scientist Malaysia Singapore 13 Sep. Gardens To participate in field work in Borneo Rob Smith, Director, The Scotland & UK To attend the Perth II conference on Global 21 Sep.– $ 5,500 $ 420 Self funded Blue Mountains Botanic Change and the World’s Mountains 10 Oct. Garden, Mount Tomah To attend a workshop on collecting phonological data in Mountains
Dr Maurizio Rossetto, Seoul, Korea To attend an international symposium and 28 Sep.– $ 2,200 National Institute of Manager Evolutionary workshop organised by the Ministry of 2 Oct. Ecology Ecology Environment, Korea (cont.)
Annual Report 2010–11 55 Appendix M, Overseas Travel (cont.)
Name & Position Countries/ cities Purpose of visit Duration Total Cost to Source of other funds visited cost the Trust
Frances Jackson, Manager USA & Canada To attend a study tour on public conservatories 25 Oct.– $ 8,200 $ 1,200 Friends of the Botanic The Royal Botanic Garden, in botanic gardens and parks 14 Nov. Gardens Sydney Dr Peter Weston, Senior Christchurch, NZ To attend the Australasian Systematic Botany 28 Nov.– $ 2,000 $ 1,200 Australasian Systematic Principal Research Scientist Society meeting in his capacity as President 5 Dec. Botany Society Dr Dale Dixon, Manager Christchurch, NZ To attend the Australasian Systematic Botany 28 Nov.– $ 2,000 $ 1,200 Australasian Systematic Collections Society meeting in his capacity as Vice-President 5 Dec. Botany Society To attend meetings relating to the Society’s business and promotional activities Karen Wilson, Senior Christchurch, NZ To attend the Australasian Systematic Botany 28 Nov.– $ 1,000 Nil International Botanical Research Scientist Society meeting 5 Dec. Congress Dr Brett Summerell, Christchurch, NZ To attend the Council of Heads of Australasian 22–27 Nov. N/A $ 600 Self funded Director Science & Public Herbaria meetings Programs To attend the Herbarium Information Systems Committee meeting Dr Tim Entwisle, Executive Christchurch, NZ To attend the Australasian Systematic Botany 27 Nov.– $ 2,500 $ 2,500 – Director Society meeting 3 Dec. Dr Matt Renner, Australian Auckland, NZ To participate in a pilot project characterising 8–23 Dec. $ 1,700 Nil University of Auckland Biological Resources Study species in a New Zealand model ecosystem Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Peter Weston, Senior South Africa To participate in the combined 37th annual 14–29 Jan. $ 3,925 $ 878 South African Association Principal Research Scientist conference of the South African Association of Botanists of Botanists & the 9th conference of the South African Society for Systematic Biology To participate in field trip to Sneeuberg Centre of plant endemism Dr Cathy Offord, Manager Vietnam To provide expert assistance in the development 10–21 Feb. $ 3,500 Nil HSBC Bank ($2,750) Horticultural Research and preparation of a site master plan for a proposed botanic garden Bidoup-Nuiba National Park ($750) Daniel Bishop, Manager Vietnam To provide expert assistance in the development 10–21 Feb. $ 3,500 Nil HSBC Bank ($2,750) Horticulture and preparation of a site master plan for a proposed botanic garden Bidoup-Nuiba National Park ($750) Geoff Duggan, Landscape Vietnam To provide expert assistance in the development 10–21 Feb. $ 3,500 Nil HSBC Bank ($2,750) Planning Officer and preparation of a site master plan for a proposed botanic garden Bidoup-Nuiba National Park ($750) Simon Goodwin, Garden Vietnam To provide expert assistance in the development 10–21 Feb. $ 3,500 Nil HSBC Bank ($2,750) Information Officer and preparation of a site master plan for a proposed botanic garden Bidoup-Nuiba National Park ($750) Dr Barry Conn, Principal Papua New To participate in the tree keys of Papua New 10 Feb.– $ 10,000 Nil National Science Research Scientist Guinea Guinea project 4 Mar. Foundation and the Forestry Network program To participate in the Forestry Network program Dr Barry Conn, Principal Indonesia To undertake field survey of theU rticaceae in 22 Mar.– $ 7,000 $ 375 Friends of the Botanic Research Scientist Java 12 Apr. Gardens Dr John Benson, Senior Washington, USA Smithsonian, Washington USA, IUCN Ecosystem 2–8 Apr. $ 2,500 Nil IUCN & self funded Plant Ecologist Risk Assessment Criteria Workshop Rob Smith, Director, The Bhutan To provide training programs to staff at the 23 May– $ 2,550 Nil Bhutan Government & the Blue Mountains Botanic Royal Botanical Parklands 5 Jun. Royal Botanic Gardens Garden, Mount Tomah Foundation Karen Silvester, Senior Bhutan To provide training programs to staff at the 23 May– $ 2,550 Nil Bhutan Government & the Horticulturist Royal Botanical Parklands 5 Jun. Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Dr Matt Renner, Australian Auckland, NZ To collaborate on pilot project investigating 19–28 Jun. $ 1,300 Nil University of Auckland Biological Resources Study model ecosystems in NZ Postdoctoral Fellow To transport new specimens (liverworts and mosses) to the National Herbarium of NSW
56 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Appendix N Government Information (Public Access) Act
Table A: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome *
Access Access Access Information Information Refusal to Refusal to Application granted in granted refused in not held already deal with confirm/ withdrawn full in part full available application deny whether information is held Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private sector businesses 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not-for-profit organisations 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or community groups
Members of the public 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (application by legal representative) Members of the public 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (other)
* More than one decision can be made on a particular access application. A recording must be made for each such decision.
Table B: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome *
Access Access Access Information Information Refusal to Refusal to Application granted in granted refused in not held already deal with confirm/ withdrawn full in part full available application deny whether information is held Personal information 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 applications** Access applications (other 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 than personal information applications) Access applications 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 that are partly personal information applications and partly other
* More than one decision can be made on a particular access application. A recording must be made for each such decision. ** A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 of the GIPA Act) about the applicant, the applicant being an individual.
Table C: Invalid applications Reason for invalidity Number of applications
Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act) 0
Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) 0
Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act) 0
Total number of invalid applications received 0
Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 0
Annual Report 2010–11 57 Table D: Conclusive presumption of overriding public Table F: Timeliness interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act Number of applications Decided within the statutory 3 Number of times timeframe (20 days plus any consideration used* extensions) Overriding secrecy laws 0 Decided after 35 days (by 0 Cabinet information 0 agreement with applicant) Executive Council information 0 Not decided within time 0 (deemed refusal) Contempt 0 Total 3 Legal professional privilege 0
Documents affecting law 0 enforcement and public safety Ministerial code of conduct 0 Table G: Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome) Overriding secrecy laws 0
Decision Decision *More than one public interest consideration may apply to a Total particular access application. Each such consideration must be varied upheld recorded, but only once per application. Internal review 0 0 0 Review by Information 0 0 0 Commissioner* Table E: Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in the table to section 14 Internal review following of the Act recommendation under 0 0 0 section 93 of Act Number of occasions Review by Administrative 0 0 0 when application not Decisions Tribunal successful* Total 0 0 0 Responsible and effective 0 government * The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the Law enforcement and security 0 original decision maker. The data in this case indicates that a Individual rights, judicial processes recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been 0 and natural justice made by the Information Commissioner. Business interests of agencies and 0 other persons Environment, culture, economy and Table H: Applications for review under Part 5 of the 0 general matters Act (by type of applicant)
Secrecy provisions 0 Number of applications Exempt documents under for review interstate freedom of information 0 Applications by access applicants 0 legislation Applications by persons to whom *More than one public interest consideration may apply to a information the subject of access 0 particular access application. Each such consideration must be application relates (see section 54 recorded, but only once per application. of the Act)
58 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Appendix O Of 18 communications received about staff, 12 complimented the helpfulness and professionalism Provision of Information of individuals, including praise for rangers and gratitude for the excellent plant identification service. Services Of particular note, a personal tour afforded to the Indonesian President’s wife was acknowledged. All Gardens shops & visitor centres communication about staff were passed on to the supervisor of the staff member. Complimentary The Trust operates four combined visitor centres/shops comments received about staff from the Blue at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan; the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah were also Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah; the Royal passed onto the appropriate Director. Botanic Garden, Sydney and the Sydney Tropical Centre. There were two complaints received this year Inquiries for plant identification about customer service at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, particularly the lack of food The Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit received more than and coffee while the lease for the restaurant and café 300 requests, similarly to last year. Over half of these lease was being finalised. This feedback was shared were for detection of soilborne pathogens, particularly with the Director and the situation explained to the those associated with Phytophthora Dieback. There customers. The café and food availability at the Royal was also an increase in phone and email inquiries Botanic Garden, Sydney was the subject of three other pertaining to the management of Phytophthora complaints received during the year. Dieback, as well as the newly introduced disease, Myrtle Rust. Of 17 complaints about parking penalties at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, seven fines were The Botanical Information Service received over cancelled to show goodwill when reported mechanical 3,300 inquiries, 80 per cent of which were answered failures were recognised. Another visitor requested that within seven days. all parking outside the Art Gallery of NSW be allocated for the disabled. This person was informed that cars displaying the correct permit are able to park in any Appendix P available bay. There were a further three enquiries about the Trust’s parking policies and regulations. Any Consumer Response parking issues addressed to the Senior Ranger are not included in this figure or report. This year around 3.6 million people visited Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Only 113 visitors raised matters Events and exhibitions on the Trust’s lands resulted of concern or provided other comments to the Trust in 10 recorded complaints. Many concerned restrictions in writing, by phone or in person. Each enquiry and on bringing alcohol and food into particular events. complaint is forwarded to the relevant supervisor or Where the event is not promoted or hosted by the manager and an official response provided to the Trust, the complaint is passed onto the organisation interested party. Wherever possible the Trust uses responsible for the management of that event. the feedback it receives to make improvements to its In one instance, grievances expressed by a party services, processes and facilities. goer dissatisfied with the way a fine was issued and the security firms were forwarded to NSW Police. The Trust responded to 26 communications Other feedback received about events included regarding wildlife management in the Royal Botanic dissatisfaction with a celebrant and another with the Garden, Sydney. The majority of these dealt exclusively presentation of a professional photographer operating with the Flying-fox relocation and animal welfare, at Mrs Macquaries Point. In each instant the company to which the Trust provided information on its or person responsible for the management of the commitment to conservation and sustainability of both event or service was notified and appropriate action plants and wildlife. recommended.
Issues with infrastructure and services in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney that were brought to the Trust’s
Annual Report 2010–11 59 attention included three criticisms of the locations and The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan cleanliness of toilets, which were addressed through Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan 2567 a refinement of the cleaning schedule for amenities Ph (02) 4634 7900 Fax (02) 4634 7950 across the estate. Positioning and maintenance of signs was referred to by four visitors, while another expressed • Open all year round 10 am–5 pm except dissatisfaction with information provided through the Christmas Day Trust’s website and maps. Temporary closures to Mrs • Visitor Centre, tours and shop Macquaries Road during scheduled road maintenance 10 am–4:30 pm and the presence of rubbish out side Andrew Boy • Melaleuca House café & restaurant Charlton Pool resulted in three complaints. (02) 4648 3318 • Education service The standard of lawn in the main Phillip Precinct of (02) 4634 7915 the Domain was criticised by one person while another • Weddings and venue hire expressed their displeasure with the aesthetics of the (02) 4634 7933 CityRail exhausts in this area. The application of chicken • Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living manure fertiliser in the Domain during September (02) 4647 9838 resulted in a fowl smell wafting through the city and hence several complaints. These were addressed The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah through personal responses as well as a statement Bells Line of Rd, via Bilpin, NSW 2758 through media outlets that demonstrated the Trust’s Ph (02) 4567 3000 Fax (02) 4567 2037 preference for natural fertilisers rather than chemicals. • Garden open 9 am–5.30 pm Monday–Friday Feedback was also received about regulations and 9:30 am–5:30 pm Saturday, Sunday & public access to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney; two asking holidays about fitness regulations, one about riding bikes, and Closed Christmas Day another about mobility access for guided tours. Another • Visitor Centre two questioned public safety in the Sydney estate. • The Garden Shop 10:15 am–4:45 pm • Waratah Education Centre Appendix Q • World Heritage Exhibition Centre • Tours Access Directory • Weddings and venue hire • The Jungle Lodge accommodation The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney • Restaurant Tomah Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney 2000 (02) 4567 2060 Ph (02) 9231 8111 Fax (02) 9251 4403 This annual report and further information on the • Garden offices programs and services provided by the Royal Botanic 8.30 am–5 pm Monday–Friday Gardens & Domain Trust can be found at • Botanic Garden Shop www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au 9.30 am–4.30 pm (02) 9231 8125 • Community education service (02) 9231 8134 • Free guided walks 10.30 am every day • Botanical information service (02) 9231 8155 • Plant pathology diagnostic service (02) 9231 8186 • Botanic Gardens Restaurant & cafe (02) 9241 2419 • Pavilion on the Park restaurant & cafe (02) 9232 1322
60 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Annual Report 2010–11 61 “Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “Nature is loved by what is best in us” … and my wish for these beautiful gardens is that they will continue to inspire future generations, as a haven of calm, peace, tranquillity and inspiration … always reminding us to continually reflect on what is most important in life.”
– Anne Geddes
Australia’s Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus Regnans) is the tallest flowering plant on earth and living examples in Tasmania are the tallest and oldest trees in the nation, many of them growing to nearly 100 metres. They are also exceptionally helpful to humans, locking up more carbon than any other species on earth. In Victoria, Mountain Ash forests comprise half the state’s water catchment area. Yet we continue to mercilessly log these magnificent old growth forests, mostly for woodchip and newsprint. My wish is that we finally bring this logging to an end and as a mark of respect, I would ask the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney to plant a commemorative native Eucalyptus Regnans so that it may become a gift to future generation’s centuries from now.
– Dick Smith
The first thing would be to increase the use of the Australian plant species from the Sydney basin to further develop a ‘sense of place’ unique to our location. And then a suggestion was made to me to increase the range of permanent and temporary works of art within the Gardens. The works of art could help to interpret the displays and the history of the area, provide colour, sound and movement and event opportunity to play.
– Alan Jones
My wish for the Royal Botanic Garden is that children in particular will understand how wonderful a garden can be, no matter how big it is! Gardens are magical and they are a place where children can explore and just be! I hope the Gardens continue to grow beautiful roses for everyone to enjoy!
– Dorothy the Dinosaur Section 4 Financial Statements 64 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Annual Report 2010–11 65 Statement by Members of the Trust
Pursuant to Section 41C(1C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, I state that:
a) the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, the Financial Reporting Code for Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies, the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2010 (as applicable) and The Treasurer’s Directions;
b) the statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position and transactions of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust; and
c) there are no circumstances that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
Mr Greg Martin Chairperson Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust
Ms Vanessa Priest Trustee Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust
Date: 11 October 2011
66 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 2011
Actual Budget Actual 2011 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 Expenses excluding losses Operating expenses: Other operating expenses 2(a) 37,685 35,498 36,684 Depreciation 2(b) 5,151 4,974 4,900 Grants and subsidies 2(c) 82 53 53 Finance costs 2(d) 0 1 1
Total Expenses excluding losses 42,918 40,526 41,638 Less: Revenue Sale of goods and services 3(a) 11,680 10,585 11,258 Investment revenue 3(b) 182 122 149 Retained taxes, fees and fines 3(c) 1,310 1,000 1,396 Grants and contributions 3(d) 9,225 4,800 4,495 Other revenue 3(e) 1,186 436 1,161
Total Revenue 23,583 16,943 18,459
Gain / (loss) on disposal 4 (101) 0 (3)
Net Cost of Services 17 19,436 23,583 23,182
Government Contributions: Recurrent appropriation 5 19,914 19,914 19,090 Capital appropriation 5 8,274 10,605 2,860
Total Government Contributions 28,188 30,519 21,950
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 8,752 6,936 (1,232)
Other comprehensive income Net increase / (decrease) in property, plant and equipment asset revaluation reserve 59,587 0 0
Other comprehensive income for the year 59,587 0 0
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 68,339 6,936 (1,232)
[The accompanying notes form part of these statements]
Annual Report 2010–11 67 Statement of financial position as at 30 June 2011
Actual Budget Actual 2011 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000
ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 2,493 2,859 2,906 Receivables 8 881 461 461 Inventories 9 216 304 304
Total Current Assets 3,590 3,624 3,671
Non Current Assets Property, plant and equipment - Land and building 247,211 205,602 203,750 - Plant and equipment 5,034 3,203 3,581 - Infrastructure systems 54,157 42,848 37,341 - Collection assets 39,926 33,304 33,304
Total Non-Current Assets 10 346,328 284,957 277,976
Total Assets 349,918 288,581 281,647
LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Payables 12 1,797 1,845 1,847 Provisions 13 2,345 2,363 2,363
Total Current Liabilities 4,142 4,208 4,210
Non Current Liabilities Provisions 13 26 26 26
Total Non Current Liabilities 26 26 26
Total Liabilities 4,168 4,234 4,236
Net Assets 345,750 284,347 277,411
EQUITY Reserves 189,483 129,934 129,934 Accumulated funds 156,267 154,413 147,477
Total Equity 345,750 284,347 277,411
[The accompanying notes form part of these statements]
68 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Statement of changes in equity for the year ended 30 June 2011
Asset Accumulated Revaluation Notes Funds Surplus Total $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at 1 July 2010 147,477 129,934 277,411 Changes in accounting policy 0 0 0 Correction of errors 0 0 0 Restated total equity at 1 July 2010 147,477 129,934 277,411
Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year 8,752 0 8,752 Other Comprehensive income: Net increase / (decrease) in property, plant and equipment asset revaluation 0 59,587 59,587 Transfer on disposal of assets 38 (38) 0 Total other compehensive income 38 59,549 59,587
Total compehensive income for the year 8,790 59,549 68,339
Balance at 30 June 2011 156,267 189,483 345,750
Balance at 1 July 2009 148,655 129,988 278,643 Changes in accounting policy 0 0 0 Correction of errors 0 0 0 Restated total equity at 1 July 2009 148,655 129,988 278,643
Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year (1,232) 0 (1,232) Other Comprehensive income: Net increase / (decrease) in property, plant and equipment asset revaluation 0 0 0 Transfer on disposal of assets 54 (54) 0 Total other compehensive income 54 (54) 0
Total compehensive income for the year (1,178) (54) (1,232)
Balance at 30 June 2010 147,477 129,934 277,411
[The accompanying notes form part of these statements]
Annual Report 2010–11 69 Statement of cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2011
Actual Budget Actual 2011 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Payments Employee related 0 (2) 0 Grants and subsidies (82) (53) (53) Finance costs 0 (1) (1) Other (inc Personnel Services) (37,705) (33,738) (36,092)
Total Payments (37,787) (33,794) (36,146)
Receipts Sale of goods and services 11,567 10,585 11,647 Retained taxes, fees and fines 1,310 1,100 1,396 Interest received 182 122 149 Other 5,557 3,376 4,443
Total Receipts 18,616 15,183 17,635
Cash Flows from Government Recurrent appropriation 19,914 19,914 19,090 Capital appropriation 8,274 10,605 2,860 Cash reimbursements from the Crown Entity 0 0 0
Net Cash Flow From Government 28,188 30,519 21,950
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 17 9,017 11,908 3,439
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds of sale of land and buildings, plant and 21 0 55 equipment and infrastructure systems Purchases of land and buildings, plant and equipment (9,451) (11,955) (4,011)
NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (9,430) (11,955) (3,956)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from borrowings and advances 0 0 0 Repayment of borrowings and advances 0 0 (24)
NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 0 0 (24)
NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH (413) (47) (541)
Opening cash and cash equivalents 2,906 2,906 3,447 CLOSING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 7 2,493 2,859 2,906
[The accompanying notes form part of these statements]
70 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Service group statements for the year ended 30 June 2011
Service Group 1 * Service Group 2 * Not Attributable ** Total 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 AGENCIES EXPENSES AND INCOME Expenses excluding losses Operating expenses: - Other Operating expenses 8,132 10,033 29,553 26,651 0 0 37,685 36,684 Depreciation and amortisation 1,112 1,340 4,039 3,560 0 0 5,151 4,900 Grants and subsidies 18 14 64 39 0 0 82 53 Finance Costs 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Total Expenses excluding losses 9,262 11,387 33,656 30,251 0 0 42,918 41,638
Retained Revenue Sale of goods and services 1,368 352 10,312 10,906 0 0 11,680 11,258 Investment income 21 112 161 37 0 0 182 149 Retained taxes, fees and fines 153 170 1,157 1,226 0 0 1,310 1,396 Grants and contributions 1,080 2,011 8,145 2,484 0 0 9,225 4,495 Other revenue 139 106 1,047 1,055 0 0 1,186 1,161 Total Retained Revenue 2,761 2,751 20,822 15,708 0 0 23,583 18,459
Gain / (Loss) on disposal of non current assets (22) 0 (79) (3) 0 0 (101) (3) Other gains / (losses) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Net Cost of Services 6,523 8,636 12,913 14,546 0 0 19,436 23,182 Government Contributions** 0 0 0 0 28,188 21,950 28,188 21,950 SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR (6,523) (8,636) (12,913) (14,546) 28,188 21,950 8,752 (1,232)
Other Comprehensive Income Increase / (decrease) in asset revaluation reserve 6,978 0 52,609 0 0 0 59,587 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Other Comprehensive Income 6,978 0 52,609 0 0 0 59,587 0 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 455 (8,636) 39,696 (14,546) 28,188 21,950 68,339 (1,232)
AGENCIES ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 715 1,083 1,778 1,823 2,493 2,906 Receivables 253 172 628 289 881 461 Inventories 60 113 156 191 216 304 Total Current Assets 1,028 1,368 2,562 2,303 3,590 3,671
Non Current Assets Property, plant and equipment - Land and building 70,873 75,904 176,338 127,846 247,211 203,750 - Plant and equipment 1,443 1,334 3,591 2,247 5,034 3,581 - Infrastructure systems 15,526 13,910 38,631 23,431 54,157 37,341 - Collection assets 11,446 12,407 28,480 20,897 39,926 33,304 Total Non-Current Assets 99,289 103,555 247,039 174,421 346,328 277,976
Total Assets 100,317 104,923 249,601 176,724 349,918 281,647
Current Liabilities Payables 515 688 1,282 1,159 1,797 1,847 Borrowings 0 0 0 0 0 0 Provisions 672 880 1,673 1,483 2,345 2,363 Total Current Liabilities 1,187 1,568 2,955 2,642 4,142 4,210
Non Current Liabilities Borrowings 0 0 0 0 0 0 Provisions 7 10 19 16 26 26 Total Non Current Liabilities 7 10 19 16 26 26
Total Liabilities 1,194 1,578 2,974 2,658 4,168 4,236
Net Assets 99,123 103,345 246,627 174,066 345,750 277,411
* The names and purposes of each service group are summarised in Note 6. ** Appropriations are made on an agency basis and not to individual service groups. Consequently, Government Contributions are included in the ‘Not Attributable’ column.
Annual Report 2010–11 71 Summary of compliance with financial directives
2011 2010
Expenditure / Expenditure / Expenditure / Expenditure / Net Claim on Net Claim on Net Claim on Net Claim on Recurrent Consolidated Capital Consolidated Recurrent Consolidated Capital Consolidated Appropriation Fund Appropriation Fund Appropriation Fund Appropriation Fund $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
ORIGINAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION / EXPENDITURE - Appropriation Act 19,914 19,914 10,605 9,474 19,090 19,090 2,860 2,860 19,914 19,914 10,605 9,474 19,090 19,090 2,860 2,860
OTHER APPROP’N / EXPENDITURE S.45 Transfer to other Agency (1,200) (1,200) 0 0 (1,200) (1,200) 0 0 0 0
Total Appropriations / Expenditure / Net Claim on Consolidated Fund (includes transfer payments) 19,914 19,914 9,405 8,274 19,090 19,090 2,860 2,860
Amount drawn down against Appropriation 19,914 8,274 19,090 2,860
Liability to Consolidated Fund 0 0 0 0
Notes to the Summary of Compliance with Financial Directives The Summary of Compliance is based on the assumption that Consolidated Fund moneys are spent first (except where otherwise identified or prescribed).
The Liability to Consolidated Fund is calculated as the difference between “Amount drawn down against Appropriation” and “Total Expenditure/Net Claim on Consolidated Fund”.
Reprofiling of capital expenditure of $1.131 million in 2011 to future years.
72 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING (d) Administered Activities POLICIES The Trust does not administer or control any activities on behalf of the Crown Entity. (a) Reporting Entity The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust (the The accrual basis of accounting and applicable Trust), is the reporting entity and is responsible for accounting standards have been adopted. two service groups as outlined in Note 6. (e) Income Recognition The Trust is a NSW government Trust. The Trust is Income is measured at the fair value of the a not-for-profit entity (as profit is not its principal consideration or contribution received or objective). The reporting entity is consolidated as receivable. Additional comments regarding the part of the NSW Total State Sector Accounts. accounting policies for the recognition of income are discussed below. This financial report for the year ended 30 June 2011 has been authorised for issue by the Board of (i) Parliamentary appropriations and contributions Trustees on 11 October 2011. Parliamentary appropriations and contributions from other bodies (including grants and (b) Basis of Preparation donations) are generally recognised as income The Trust’s financial statements are a general when the Trust obtains control over the assets purpose financial report which has been prepared comprising the appropriations / contributions. in accordance with: Control over appropriations and contributions is normally obtained upon the receipt of cash. * applicable Australian Accounting Standards (which include Australian Accounting Unspent appropriations are recognised as Interpretations); liabilities rather than revenue, as the authority to spend the money lapses and the unspent * the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit amount must be repaid to the Consolidated Act 1983 and Regulation; Fund.
* the Financial Reporting Directions published (ii) Sale of Goods in the Financial Reporting Code for Budget Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised as Dependent General Government Sector Agencies revenue when the Trust transfers the significant or issued by the Treasurer. risks and rewards of ownership of the goods.
Property, plant and equipment, assets (or disposal (iii) Rendering of Services groups) held for sale and financial assets at ‘fair Revenue is recognised when the service is value through profit or loss’ and available for sale provided or by reference to the stage of are measured at fair value. Other financial report completion (based on labour hours incurred items are prepared in accordance with the historical to date). cost convention. (iv) Investment Income Judgements, key assumptions and estimations Interest revenue is recognised using the management has made are disclosed in the relevant effective interest method as set out in AASB notes to the financial report. 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Rental revenue is recognised in All amounts are rounded to the nearest one accordance with AASB 117 Leases on a straight- thousand dollars and are expressed in Australian line basis over the lease term. currency. (f) Employee benefits and Other Liabilities (c) Statement of Compliance (i) Salaries and Wages, Annual Leave, Sick Leave The financial statements and notes comply with and On-Costs Australian Accounting Standards, which include Liabilities for salaries and wages (including Australian Accounting Interpretations. non-monetary benefits), annual leave and paid
Annual Report 2010–11 73 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
sick leave that fall due wholly within 12 months (i.e. State Superannuation Scheme and State of the reporting date are recognised and Authorities Superannuation Scheme), the measured in respect of employees’ services up expense is calculated as a multiple of the to the reporting date at undiscounted amounts employees’ superannuation contributions. based on the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. These amounts (iii) Other Provisions are payable to Office of Environment and Other provisions exist when the entity has a Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet. present legal, or constructive obligation as a result of a past event; it is probable that an Long-term annual leave that is not expected outflow of resources will be required to settle to be taken within twelve months is measured the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be at present value in accordance with AASB made of the amount of the obligation. 119 Employee Benefits. Market yields on government bonds are used to discount long- (g) Borrowing Costs term annual leave. Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred, in accordance Unused non-vesting sick leave does not give with Treasury’s mandate to general government rise to a liability as it is not considered probable sector agencies. that sick leave taken in the future will be greater than the benefits accrued in the future. (h) insurance The Trust’s insurance activities are conducted The outstanding amounts for payroll tax, through the NSW Treasury Managed Fund Scheme workers’ compensation insurance premiums and of self insurance for Government agencies. The fringe benefits tax, which are consequential to expense (premium) is determined by the Fund employment, are recognised as liabilities and Manager based on past claim experience. expenses where the employee benefits to which they relate have been recognised. (i) Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net (ii) long Service Leave and Superannuation of the amount of GST, except where: The Trust’s liabilities for long service leave and defined benefit superannuation are assumed * the amount of GST incurred by the Trust as by the Crown Entity. The Trust accounts for the a purchaser that is not recoverable from the liability as having been extinguished resulting Australian Taxation Office is recognised as part in the amount assumed being included as non- of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of monetary revenue within the item described as an item of expense. receivables and payables are Grants and Contributions. stated with the amount of GST included.
Long service leave is measured at present * Cash flows are included in the cash flow value in accordance with AASB 119 Employee statement on a gross basis. However, the GST Benefits. This is based on the application of components of cash flows arising from investment certain factors (specified in NSWTC 11/06) to and financing activities which is recoverable from, employees with five or more years of service, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office are using current rates of pay. These factors were classified as operating cash flows. determined based on an actuarial review to approximate present value. (j) Acquisition of Assets The cost method of accounting is used for the initial The superannuation expense for the financial recording of all acquisitions of assets controlled year is determined by using the formulae by the Trust. Cost is the amount of cash or cash specified in the Treasurer’s Directions. The equivalents paid or the fair value of the other expense for certain superannuation schemes consideration given to acquire the asset at the (i.e. Basic Benefit and First State Super) is time of its acquisition or construction or, where calculated as a percentage of the employees’ applicable, the amount attributed to that asset salary. For other superannuation schemes when initially recognised in accordance with the
74 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust requirements of other Australian Accounting each asset in the class does not differ materially Standards. from its fair value at reporting date.
Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal Non-specialised assets with short useful lives consideration, are initially recognised as assets are measured at depreciated historical cost, as a and revenues at their fair value at the date of surrogate for fair value. acquisition. When revaluing non-current assets by reference to Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be current prices for assets newer than those being exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties valued (adjusted to reflect the present condition in an arm’s length transaction. of the assets), the gross amount and the related accumulated depreciation are separately restated. Where payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal credit terms, its cost is the cash price For other assets, any balances of accumulated equivalent, i.e. the deferred payment amount is depreciation at the revaluation date in respect effectively discounted at an asset-specific rate. of those assets is credited to the asset accounts to which they relate. The net asset accounts are Asset additions are held in Work in Progress then increased or decreased by the revaluation pending reclassification to other asset categories. increments or decrements.
(k) capitalisation Thresholds Revaluation increments are credited directly to the Property, plant and equipment and intangible asset revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent assets costing $5,000 and above individually that an increment reverses a revaluation decrement (or forming part of a network costing more than in respect of that asset previously recognised as $5,000) are capitalised. an expense in the surplus/deficit, the increment is recognised immediately as revenue in the surplus/ (l) Revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment deficit. Physical non-current assets are valued in accordance with the “Guidelines for the Valuation Revaluation decrements are recognised of Physical Non-Current Assets at Fair Value” (TPP immediately as expenses in the surplus/deficit, 07-1). This policy adopts fair value in accordance except that, to the extent that a credit balance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment and exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect AASB 140 Investment Property. to the same class of assets, the decrements are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve. Property, plant and equipment is measured on an existing use basis, where there are no feasible As a not-for-profit entity, revaluation increments and alternative uses in the existing natural, legal, decrements are offset against one another within a financial and socio-political environment. However, class of non-current asset, but not otherwise. in the limited circumstances where there are feasible alternative uses, assets are valued at their Where an asset that has previously been revalued highest and best use. is disposed of, any balance remaining in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of that asset is Fair value of property, plant and equipment is transferred to accumulated funds. determined based on the best available market evidence, including current market selling prices Land, buildings, and infrastructure were valued for the same or similar assets. Where there is no in 2011 by NSW Land & Property Management available market evidence, the asset’s fair value Authority. The collection assets were valued in is measured at its market buying price, the best 2011 by RHAS Pty Ltd. Statutes and Monuments indicator of which is depreciated replacement cost. were valued in 2009 by RHAS Pty Ltd. Plant and Equipment assets were valued internally in 2011. The Trust revalues each class of property, plant and equipment at least every five years or with sufficient (m) Assets not able to be reliably measured regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of The Trust holds certain assets that have not been
Annual Report 2010–11 75 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
recognised in the balance sheet because The (p) Major Inspection Costs Trust is unable to measure reliably the value for The labour cost of performing major inspections the assets. The Herbarium collection, which forms for faults is recognised in the carrying amount of an part of the Collection Assets has a nil balance asset as a replacement of a part, if the recognition recorded in the Trust’s asset register. Consideration criteria are satisfied. of the changing scientific value of the specimens over time, the unique collection event (in time (q) Restoration Costs and space) associated with each specimen, and The estimated cost of dismantling and removing an the irreversible changes to the original habitat of asset and restoring the site is included in the cost of most collection localities results in the Herbarium an asset, to the extent it is recognised as a liability. collection not being capable of a reliable valuation. (r) Maintenance (n) impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment The costs of day-to-day servicing costs or As a not-for-profit entity, the Trust is effectively maintenance are charged as expenses as incurred, exempted from AASB 136 Impairment of Assets except where they relate to the replacement of a and impairment testing. This is because AASB 136 component of an asset, in which case the costs are modifies the recoverable amount test to the higher capitalised and depreciated. of fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost. This means that, for an asset (s) Leased Assets already measured at fair value, impairment can only A distinction is made between finance leases which arise if selling costs are material. Selling costs are effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee regarded as immaterial. substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased assets, and operating (o) depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment leases under which the lessor effectively retains all Except for a limited number of heritage assets, such risks and benefits. depreciation is provided for on a straight line basis for all depreciable assets so as to write off the The leasing transactions of the Trust are restricted depreciable amount of each asset as it is consumed to operating leases of motor vehicles. Operating over its useful life to the Trust. lease payments are charged to the Operating Statement in the periods in which they are incurred. All material separately identifiable components of assets are depreciated over their shorter useful (t) Loans and receivables lives. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that Land is not a depreciable asset. Certain heritage are not quoted in an active market. These financial assets including original artworks and collections assets are recognised initially at fair value, usually and heritage buildings may not have a limited based on the transaction cost or face value. useful life because appropriate curatorial and Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using preservation policies are adopted. Such assets are the effective interest method, less an allowance for not subject to depreciation., The decision not to any impairment of receivables. Any changes are recognise depreciation for these assets is reviewed accounted for in the operating statement when annually. impaired, derecognised or through the amortisation process. Depreciable assets are depreciated from the date of acquisition. Short-term receivables with no stated interest rate are measured at the original invoice amount where Depreciation Rates % Rate the effect of discounting is immaterial. Building 1.25% to 25% Infrastructure 1% to 10% (u) Payables Plant and equipment 10% to 25% These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Trust and other amounts Collection Assets have not been depreciated. including interest. Payables are recognised initially at fair value, usually based on the transaction
76 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust cost or face value. Subsequent measurement is at annual review for impairment. An allowance for amortised cost using the effective interest method. impairment is established when there is objective Short-term payables with no stated interest rate are evidence that the entity will not be able to collect measured at the original invoice amount where the all amounts due. effect of discounting is immaterial. For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the (v) Budgeted Amounts amount of the allowance is the difference between The budgeted amounts are drawn from the budgets the asset’s carrying amount and the present value as formulated at the beginning of the financial of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the year and with any adjustments for the effects of effective interest rate. The amount of the impairment additional appropriations, s21A, s24 and / or s26 of loss is recognised in the operating statement. the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. When an available for sale financial asset is The budgeted amounts in the statement of impaired, the amount of the cumulative loss comprehensive income and the statement of cash is removed from equity and recognised in the flows are generally based on the amounts disclosed operating statement, based on the difference in the NSW Budget Papers (as adjusted above). between the acquisition cost (net of any principal However, in the statement of financial position, repayment and amortisation) and current fair value, the amounts vary from the Budget Papers, as the less any impairment loss previously recognised in opening balances of the budgeted amounts are the operating statement. based on carried forward actual amounts; i.e. per the audited financial statements (rather than carried Any reversals of impairment losses are reversed forward estimates). through the operating statement, where there is objective evidence, except reversals of impairment (w) Inventories losses on an investment in an equity instrument Inventories held for distribution are stated at cost, classified as “available for sale” must be made adjusted when applicable, for any loss of service through the reserve. Reversals of impairment losses potential. A loss of service potential is identified of financial assets carried at amortised cost cannot and measured based on the existence of a current result in a carrying amount that exceeds what the replacement cost that is lower than the carrying carrying amount would have been had there not amount. Inventories (other than those held for been an impairment loss. distribution) are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated using the (z) Equity and reserves weighted average cost. The cost of inventories (i) Asset Revaluation reserve acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration The asset revaluation reserve is used to record is the current replacement cost as at the date of increments and decrements on the revaluation acquisition. Current replacement cost is the cost of non-current assets. This accords with the the Trust would incur to acquire the asset. Net agency’s policy on the revaluation of property, realisable value is the estimated selling price in the plant and equipment as discussed in note 1(l). ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to (ii) Accumulated Funds make the sale. The category accumulated funds includes all current and prior period retained funds. (x) comparative Information Except when an Australian Accounting Standard (za) New Australian Accounting Standards issued but permits or requires otherwise, comparative not effective information is disclosed in respect of the previous The Trust has not applied new Australian period for all amounts reported in the financial Accounting Standards that have been issued but statements. are not yet effective as at 30 June 2011.
(y) impairment of financial assets There are no new Accounting Standards that the All financial assets, except those measured at fair Trust considers having a material impact on the value through profit and loss, are subject to an financial statements.
Annual Report 2010–11 77 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 2. EXPENSES EXCLUDING LOSSES (a) Other operating expenses Personnel services 24,854 24,270 External audit 51 51 Internal audit 47 43 Bad debts (2) 4 Operating leases 245 252 Insurance 380 314 Advertising 171 51 Consultants 262 193 Legal fees 99 48 Purchase of plant and equipment under $5,000 246 349 Plant and equipment hire 228 220 Cost of goods sold 654 755 Stores and provisions 887 1,102 Maintenance 3,028 3,385 Energy 560 464 Contractors 808 696 Telephone and communication 118 202 Cleaning and waste collection 1,159 1,091 Books, printing and publications 358 306 Travel 170 205 Motor vehicle 232 202 Rates 317 393 Security 569 557 Other 2,244 1,531 37,685 36,684
Personnel services are acquired from the Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet and the cost comprises:
Salaries and wages 19,938 19,306 Superannuation entitlements 1,757 1,687 Long service leave 1,154 1,593 Workers compensation insurance 733 468 Payroll and fringe benefits tax 1,272 1,216 24,854 24,270
As a result of the Public Sector Employment Legislation Amendment Act 2006 and Treasury Circular TC06-13 Employee related expenses are included in Personnel Services in Other operating expenses see note 2 (a).
Maintenance Reconciliation: Maintenance expense, included in note 2(a) 3,028 3,385 Maintenance related personnel services included in salaries and wages above 8,202 8,009
Total maintenance expenses 11,230 11,394
78 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 (b) Depreciation expense Buildings 2,367 2,315 Infrastructure 1,736 1,717 Plant and equipment 1,048 868 5,151 4,900
(c) Grants and Subsidies NSW public sector agencies 2 3 Federal government agencies 30 0 Other 50 50 82 53
(d) Finance Costs Interest Paid on Treasury loan 0 1 0 1
The Trust provides free of charge horticultural services to the Historical Houses Trust of NSW to maintain Government House gardens and grounds, and a florist who develops flower arrangements for Government House functions. The total cost of support for 2011 was $602,267 (2010 $572,761).
3. REVENUES
(a) Sales of goods and services Gross sales through the shops 1,592 1,634 Rents 3,829 3,665 Publications 7 6 Fees received 5,901 5,474 Admissions 336 478 Other 15 1 11,680 11,258
(b) Investment revenue Interest 182 149 182 149
(c) Retained taxes, fees and fines Parking 1,310 1,396 1,310 1,396
(d) Grants and contributions Grants and donations 7,270 2,304 Research grants 381 225 Crown grant LSL and superannuation 1,574 1,966 9,225 4,495
Grants and donations include assets aquired free of charge. Research grants are applied to those areas of scientific endeavour sponsored by the grantor.
(e) Other Revenue Insurance recoveries 67 10 Cost recoveries and other non user charges 1,119 1,151 1,186 1,161
Annual Report 2010–11 79 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 4. GAIN / (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL
Proceeds from the sale of assets 21 55 Written down value of assets disposed (122) (58)
Gain / (Loss) on disposal of assets (101) (3)
5. APPROPRIATIONS
Recurrent appropriations Recurrent draw-downs from NSW Treasury 19,914 19,090 (per Summary of compliance)
Less: Liability to consolidated fund (per 0 0 Summary of compliance)
19,914 19,090
Comprising: Recurrent appropriations (per Statement of 19,914 19,090 comprehensive income)
19,914 19,090
Capital appropriations Total capital draw-downs from NSW Treasury 8,274 2,860 (per Summary of compliance)
Less: Liability to consolidated fund (per 0 0 Summary of Compliance) 8,274 2,860
Comprising: Capital appropriations (per Statement of 8,274 2,860 comprehensive income)
8,274 2,860
6. SERVICE GROUPS OF THE TRUST
Service Group 1 – Science and Public Programs This service group covers research to support plant diversity; informing researchers, land managers and the public; contributing to policies relating to flora, vegetation and biodiversity; collecting, maintaining and studying the State collection of preserved plants and NSW Seedbank; researching plant propagation, cultivation and pathology; researching, designing and delivering plant related programs for specific visitor and outreach groups; and delivering volunteer programs to support Trust objectives.
80 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Service Group 2 – Botanic Gardens and Parks This service group covers managing, making accessible and interpreting the landscapes and living collections of plants in the botanic gardens; maintaining conservation collections; conserving and interpreting the Aboriginal and cultural heritage of the Gardens; and making Trust sites available for community events, commercial events, sport and recreation.
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 7. CURRENT ASSETS – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT
Cash at bank 500 311 Petty cash 11 12 At call deposits 1,982 2,583 2,493 2,906
For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank, cash on hand, and at call deposits.
Cash and cash equivalent assets recognised in the Balance Sheet are reconciled at the end of the financial year to the Statement of Cash Flows as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents (per statement of financial position) 2,493 2,906 Closing cash and cash equivalents (per Statement of cash flows) 2,493 2,906
8. CURRENT ASSETS – RECEIVABLES
Debtors 227 114 GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 359 202 Prepayments 87 111 Accrued income 209 38 882 465 Less: Allowance for impairment (1) (4) 881 461
Movement in the allowance for impairment Balance as at 1 July 4 42 Amounts written off during the year (1) (42) Amounts recovered during the year 0 0 Increase/(decrease) in allowance recognised in profit or loss (2) 4 Balance at 30 June 1 4
9. CURRENT ASSETS – INVENTORIES
Held for distribution 216 304 216 304
Annual Report 2010–11 81 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
Land and Plant and Infra- Collection Building Equipment structure Assets Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
10. NON-CURRENT ASSETS – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
At 1 July 2010 – fair value Gross carrying amount 212,097 6,464 43,932 33,304 295,797 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (8,347) (2,883) (6,591) 0 (17,821) Net Carrying amount 203,750 3,581 37,341 33,304 277,976
At 30 June 2011 – fair value Gross carrying amount 315,526 8,852 81,074 39,926 445,378 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (68,315) (3,818) (26,917) 0 (99,050) Net Carrying amount 247,211 5,034 54,157 39,926 346,328
Reconciliations A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current reporting period is set out below.
Year ended 30 June 2011 Carrying amount at start of year 203,750 3,581 37,341 33,304 277,976 Additions 1,172 1,696 6,544 4,626 14,038 Disposals (83) (39) (122) Net revaluation increment 44,781 802 12,055 1,949 59,587 Reclassification (42) 42 (47) 47 0 Depreciation expense (2,367) (1,048) (1,736) 0 (5,151) Carrying amount at end of year 247,211 5,034 54,157 39,926 346,328
At 1 July 2009 – fair value Gross carrying amount 209,753 6,011 42,048 33,304 291,116 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (6,032) (2,129) (4,874) 0 (13,035) Net Carrying amount 203,721 3,882 37,174 33,304 278,081
At 30 June 2010 – fair value Gross carrying amount 212,097 6,464 43,932 33,304 295,797 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (8,347) (2,883) (6,591) 0 (17,821) Net Carrying amount 203,750 3,581 37,341 33,304 277,976
Reconciliations A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the previous reporting period is set out below.
Year ended 30 June 2010 Carrying amount at start of year 203,721 3,882 37,174 33,304 278,081 Additions 2,344 625 1,884 4,853 Disposals (58) (58) Net revaluation increment 0 Reclassification 0 Depreciation expense (2,315) (868) (1,717) 0 (4,900) Carrying amount at end of year 203,750 3,581 37,341 33,304 277,976
82 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 11. RESTRICTED ASSETS
Cosh bequest 446 432 Swane bequest 28 26 Webster bequest 118 113 Rathborne bequest 4 4 Research 27 130 623 705
These contributions are held in investments and are applied in accordance with the conditions on each contribution. The Cosh bequest is for the purpose of the National Herbarium of NSW. The Swane bequest is for the purpose of botany, horticulture, research, education, expeditions, statues, fountains and buildings at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. The Webster bequest is to be used for the National Herbarium of NSW. The Rathborne bequest is to be used on the relocation of the glasshouses into the Rathborne Lodge grounds. Research grants are applied to those areas of scientific endeavour sponsored by the grantors.
12. CURRENT LIABILITIES – PAYABLES
Creditors 1,199 1,401 Accrued salaries, wages and on-costs 364 274 Unearned revenue 234 172 1,797 1,847
13. CURRENT / NON CURRENT LIABILITIES – PROVISIONS
Employee benefits and elatedr on-costs Recreation leave 1,755 1,784 Provision for Long Service Leave (on-cost) 318 317 Payroll Tax on employee benefits 298 288 2,371 2,389
Aggregate employee benefits and on-costs Provision – current 2,345 2,363 Provision – non current 26 26 2,371 2,389
As a result of the Public Sector Employment Legislation Amendment Act 2006 the Provisions for Employee benefits and on-costs are payable to the Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Annual Report 2010–11 83 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 14. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE
(a) Capital commitments Aggregate capital expenditure for the acquisition of goods contracted for at balance date and not provided for: - Not later than one year 950 4,537 - Later than one year, and not later than five years 128 178
Total (including GST) 1,078 4,715
(b) Operating lease commitments Future non-cancellable operating lease rentals not provided for and payable: - Not later than one year 186 184 - Later than one year, and not later than five years 111 139 - Later than five years 0 0
Total (including GST) 297 323
The total commitments above includes input tax credits of $124,922 (2009–2010 $458,098) that are expected to be recoverable from the ATO.
15. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS
The Trust is not aware of any contingent liabilities and/or contingent assets associated with its operations.
16. BUDGET REVIEW
Net cost of services The Net cost of services of $19.4 million is $4.2 million less than the budget of $23.6 million. This is mainly due to assets received free of charge $4.5 million, and depreciation expense exceeding budget by $0.2 million.
Assets and liabilities Total Assets is $61.3 million higher than budget mainly due to asset revaluations of $59.6 million, assets received free of charge $4.5 million and a deferment of PlantBank expenditure of $2.3 million.
Cash flows Closing cash and cash equivalent of $2.5 million is $0.4 million less than budget of $2.9 million. This is mainly due to accounts recievables exceeding the budget.
84 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust 2011 2010 $’000 $’000
17. RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO NET COST OF SERVICES
Net cash used on operating activities 9,017 3,439 Cash flows from Government / Appropriations (28,188) (21,950) Depreciation (5,151) (4,900) Allowance for impairment 3 38 Decrease / (increase) in provisions 18 (364) Increase / (decrease) in receivables and other assets 417 (217) Decrease / (increase) in creditors 112 (297) Decrease / (increase) in income received in advance (62) 174 Increase / (decrease) in inventory (88) 56 Assets received free of charge 4,587 842 Net gain / (loss) on sale of plant and equipment (101) (3)
Net cost of services (19,436) (23,182)
18. TRUST FUNDS
The Trust recieved a bequest which is held in a Miscellaneous Trust Fund which is used for specific purposes as outlined in the bequest conditions. These monies are excluded from the financial statements as the Trust cannot use them for the achievement of its objectives. The following is a summary of the transactions in the trust account:
Cash balance at the beginning of the financial year 0 0 Add: Receipts 574 0 Less: Expenditure 0 0 Cash balance at the end of the financial year 574 0
19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Trust’s principal financial instruments are outlined below. These financial instruments arise directly from the Trust’s operations or are required to finance the Trust’s operations. The Trust does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.
The Trust’s main risks arising from financial instruments are outlined below, together with the Trust’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk. Further quantitative and qualitative disclosures are included throughout this financial report.
The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the review of risk management and reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks. Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Trust, to set risk limits and controls and to monitor risks. Compliance with policies is reviewed by the Finance and Risk Management Committee on a continuous basis.
Annual Report 2010–11 85 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
(a) Financial instrument categories
Carrying Carrying Amount Amount 2011 2010 Financial Assets Note Category $’000 $’000
Class: Cash and cash equivalent 7 N/A 2,493 2,906 Receivables1 8 Receivables (at amortised cost) 435 148
Carrying Carrying Amount Amount 2011 2010 Financial Liabilities Note Category $’000 $’000
Class: Financial liabilities measured Payables2 12 at amortised cost 1,563 1,675
Notes 1. Excludes statutory receivables and prepayments (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7). 2. Excludes statutory payables and unearned revenue (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7).
(b) Credit Risk Credit risk arises when there is the possibility of the Trust’s debtors defaulting on their contractual obligations, resulting in a financial loss to the Trust. The maximum exposure to credit risk is generally represented by the carrying amount of the financial assets (net of any allowance for impairment).
Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Trust, including cash, receivables, and authority deposits. No collateral is held by the Trust. The Trust has not granted any financial guarantees.
Credit risk associated with the Trust’s financial assets, other than receivables, is managed through the selection of counterparties and establishment of minimum credit rating standards. Authority deposits held with NSW TCorp are guaranteed by the State.
Cash Cash comprises cash on hand and bank balances with Westpac Banking Corporation and TCorp. Interest is earned on daily bank balances at the monthly average NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) 11am unofficial cash rate, adjusted for a management fee to NSW Treasury.
Accounts Receivable – Trade Debtors All trade debtors are recognised as amounts receivable at balance date. Collectibility of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Procedures as established in the Treasurer’s Directions are followed to recover outstanding amounts, including letters of demand. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. An allowance for impairment is raised when there is objective evidence that the entity will not be able to collect all amounts due. This evidence includes past experience, and current and expected changes in economic conditions and debtor credit ratings. No interest is earned on trade debtors.
86 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust Authority Deposits The Trust has placed funds on deposit with TCorp, which has been rated “AAA” by Standard and Poor’s. These deposits are similar to money market or bank deposits and can be placed “at call” or for a fixed term. For fixed term deposits, the interest rate payable by TCorp is negotiated initially and is fixed for the term of the deposit, while the interest rate payable on at call deposits can vary. None of these assets are past due or impaired.
2011 2011 2010 2010 Carrying Net Fair Carrying Net Fair Amount Value Amount Value $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
At call 1,982 1,982 2,583 2,583 Less than one year 0 0 0 0 One to five years 0 0 0 0 Greater than five years 0 0 0 0 Total 1,982 1,982 2,583 2,583
The deposits at balance date were earning an average interest rate of 4.70%, while over the year the weighted average interest rate was 4.64%.
(c) Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Trust will be unable to meet its payment obligations when they fall due. The Trust continuously manages risk through monitoring future cash flows and maturities planning to ensure adequate holding of high quality liquid assets. The objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of overdrafts, loans and other advances.
During the current and prior years, there were no defaults or breaches on any loans payable. No assets have been pledged as collateral. The Trust’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk.
The liabilities are recognised for amounts due to be paid in the future for goods or services received, whether or not invoiced. Amounts owing to suppliers (which are unsecured) are settled in accordance with the policy set out in Treasurer’s Direction 219.01. If trade terms are not specified, payment is made no later than the end of the month following the month in which an invoice or a statement is received. Treasurer’s Direction 219.01 allows the Minister to award interest for late payment.
(d) Market Risk Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Trust’s exposures to market risk are primarily through interest rate risk on the Trust’s deposits with TCorp. The Trust has no exposure to foreign currency risk and does not enter into commodity contracts.
The effect on profit and equity due to a reasonably possible change in risk variable is outlined in the information below, for interest rate risk and other price risk. A reasonably possible change in risk variable has been determined after taking into account the economic environment in which the Trust operates and the time frame for the assessment (i.e. until the end of the next annual reporting period). The sensitivity analysis is based on risk exposures in existence at the balance sheet date. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2010 The analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.
Annual Report 2010–11 87 Notes accompanying and forming part of the Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2011
Interest Rate Risk Exposure to interest rate risk arises primarily through the Trust’s interest bearing liabilities. This risk is minimised by undertaking mainly fixed rate borrowings, primarily with NSW TCorp. The Trust does not account for any fixed rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss or as available-for-sale. Therefore, for these financial instruments, a change in interest rates would not affect profit or loss or equity. A reasonably possible change of +/- 1% is used, consistent with current trends in interest rates. The basis will be reviewed annually and amended where there is a structural change in the level of interest rate volatility. The Trust’s exposure to interest rate risk is set out below.
$’000 $’000 Carrying -1% +1% Amount Profit Equity Profit Equity 2011 Financial Assets Cash 1,982 (20) (20) 20 20 2010 Financial Assets Cash 2,583 (26) (26) 26 26
20. AFTER BALANCE DATE EVENTS There are no events subsequent to balance date which affect the financial report.
(END OF AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)
88 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust
Index
Access Directory...... 60 Occupational Health and Safety...... 53
Account Payment Performance...... 54 Organisation Structure...... 39
Achievements...... 14 Our Organisation...... 9
Aims and Objectives of Trust...... 10 Overseas Travel...... 55
Annual Report Costs...... Inside back cover Performance Snapshot...... 6
Appendices...... 40 Provision of Information Services...... 59
Asia-Pacific Capacity Building Action Plan...... 44 Publications...... 46
Chair & Executive Director’s Report...... 7 Research Grants...... 45
Charter and Legislation...... 9 Risk Management...... 35
Community Support...... 24 Statement of Compliance...... 3
Consultancies...... 54 Trustees...... 36
Consumer Response...... 59 Trustees’ Disclosure...... 54
Corporate Credit Card Use...... 54 Two Ways Together...... 52
Corporate Governance...... 34 Volunteers...... 24
Delivering our Services...... 10
Environmental Management ...... 50
Executive...... 37
Financial Statements...... 64
Financial Support...... 30
Friends of the Botanic Gardens...... 26
Gardens Shops and Visitor Centres...... 59
Global Strategy for Plant Conservation...... 40
Government Information (Public Access)...... 57
Grant Funding...... 45
Human Resource Information...... 52
Legislative Changes...... 34
Letter to the Minister...... 3
92 THE ROYAL Botanic Gardens & DOMAIN Trust © The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney 2011 Mrs Macquaries Road Sydney NSW 2000
The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust is a statutory body within the Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW)
Design, illustrations and production of this report by Cameron Emerson-Elliott
All photography by Simone Pieta Cottrell and Jaime Plaza unless otherwise stated
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ISSN 1035-0969