Connecting People with Plants Annual Report 2005–06 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria

Connecting people with plants Annual Report 2005–06 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria

Contents

Executive summary – Information Privacy Act 2002 Part six – Financial statements 71 and Health Records Act 2001 18 Auditor-General’s report 72 Complete Annual Report 2005–06 – Building and maintenance provisions of the Building RBG Declaration 74 Part one – Introduction 1 Act 1993 19 Operating Statement for the – Our Vision 2 – Whistleblowers Protection Act Reporting Period ended – Our Mission 2 2001, statement and procedures 19 30 June 2006 75 – Our Values 2 Financial overview 20 Balance Sheet as at – Our Charter 2 Comparison of financial results 21 30 June 2006 76 – Definitions 2 Consultancies 22 Statement of Recognised – Chairman’s foreword 3 Income and Expense for the Part three – Our employees 23 Reporting Period ended Part two – Our organisation 5 30 June 2006 77 Employee profile 24 Cashflow Statement for the Corporate governance 6 Employee support Reporting Period ended – Board committees 6 and development 26 30 June 2006 78 – Remuneration 6 Employee relations 27 – Board members 7 Notes to the financial statements Employee recognition 28 – Board attendance figures 7 for the year ended 30 June 2006 79 The organisation 8 Part four – Our achievements 29 Disclosure index 104 – RBG Cranbourne 8 Goal one 31 – RBG Melbourne 8 Goal two 41 Appendices 106 – National Herbarium of Victoria 8 Goal three 49 Appendix One – – ARCUE 9 Whistleblowers Protection – Visitor numbers 9 Part five – Our supporters 57 Act 2001 106 Royal Botanic Gardens’ Generous financial support 58 organisation chart 10 Royal Botanic Gardens Corporate Management Group 11 Foundation Victoria 59 Environmental performance 12 Director’s Circle 60 Legislation 15 Friends of the Royal Botanic Statements of compliance Gardens Cranbourne Inc. 61 with Government policy 16 Friends of the Royal Botanic – Contributingtoculturaldiversity, Gardens, Melbourne Inc. 62 youth and indigenous affairs 16 – National Competition Policy 16 Maud Gibson Trust 63 – Risk management 17 Plant Craft Cottage 64 – Victorian Industry Participation Herbarium Volunteers 65 Policy Statement 17 Volunteers 66 – Statement of availability – RBG Cranbourne 66 of other information 17 – RBG Melbourne 67 Legislative compliance 18 Honorary Associates 68 – Financial Management Act 1994 18 Organisations that have – Freedom of Information provided research grants 69 (FOI) Act 1982 18

eiiin 2 3 2 2 2 2 foreword Chairman’s Definitions Charter Our Values Our Mission Our Vision Our 1 Introduction

Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 1 2 Our Vision Definitions Tobeoneoftheworld’soutstandingbotanicgardens. TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard Victoria is responsible to the Minister Our Mission for Environment. The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria administers To advance knowledge, enjoyment and conservation of plants through excellence the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, in biodiversity research and management, horticultural displays and educational the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, programs. the National Herbarium of Victoria, the State Botanical Collection and the Our Values Australian Research Centre for Urban In all our dealings with Government, our sponsors, our staff and volunteers, visitors Ecology. Throughout this document the andclients,wecommittointegrity,respect,teamwork,accountability,excellence organisation will be referred to as follows: and innovation. Australian Garden –referstothe Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne Our Charter Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991, the objectives of the organisation are: –referstothebodyresponsiblefor corporate governance To conserve, protect and improve the botanic gardens and managed land and their collections of living plants Royal Botanic Gardens –referstothe whole organisation, including the sites at To conserve and enhance the State Botanical Collection and National South Yarra and Cranbourne, the National Herbarium of Victoria Herbarium of Victoria, the State Botanical To provide for the use of the State Botanical Collection or plants or plant Collection and the Australian Research specimens at the botanic gardens or managed land for scientiﬁc or reference Centre for Urban Ecology purposes, consistent with accepted international practice RBG Melbourne –referstothesite To increase public knowledge and awareness of plants and plant communities at South Yarra

To provide for the use of the botanic gardens for education, public enjoyment RBG Cranbourne –referstothesite and tourism at Cranbourne

To provide for the carrying out of and contribution to research into biodiversity Herbarium –referstotheNational and the conservation of biodiversity. Herbarium of Victoria and the State Botanical Collection at RBG Melbourne

ARCUE –referstotheAustralian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, whose ofﬁce is located at The University of Melbourne. Chairman’s foreword

3 It is now just over twelve months since I took up the position of Chairman of the Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria at what has proved to be a very busy and exciting time in the life of the Gardens.

The 2005–06 financial year saw the that are vulnerable to extinction, and I have touched on just some of the major strengthening of our relationships at a preserve and store duplicate seedlots at achievements of this financial year and local, national and international level as theHerbariumandatWakehurstPlace commend this report to you. The Royal weengagedinanumberofactivitiesthat in the United Kingdom. Botanic Gardens Board Victoria remains focussed on promoting and sharing our committed to its mission of advancing our Access to our scientific knowledge of collections,gardenlandscapesandour ‘knowledge, enjoyment and conservation Australian plants was also advanced this scientific expertise. of plants’ – a mission that I believe has yearbythecompletionoftheHerbarium been well served this year. Most recently, we celebrated the component of the national Australia’s opening of Stage One of the Australian Virtual Herbarium (AVH) project. Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would Garden at RBG Cranbourne with around Completion of this five-year project saw like to take this opportunity to thank Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 10,000 members of the public joining almost 450,000 specimens recorded on the Director of the Royal Botanic us on Sunday 28 May for the official the AVH database, making this valuable Gardens, Dr Philip Moors, his corporate opening by the Premier of Victoria, the resource readily accessible online to management team, the staff and Hon. Steve Bracks MP. After many years of the scientific, education and general volunteers of the Royal Botanic Gardens planning and building, and many months communities. and the many generous donors and of hard work by staff and volunteers in the supporters of the Gardens for ensuring Sharing our understanding and enjoyment lead up to opening day, it was gratifying the success of the past year. of plants is at the heart of what the Royal to witness the enthusiasm with which Botanic Gardens does, and at both the Garden was received. On behalf of RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne theBoard,mayItakethisopportunityto many thousands of people enjoyed thank the designers of the Garden, Taylor the opportunity to visit and learn a little Cullity Lethlean with Paul Thompson, and more about our plant collections and everybody else who has been associated natural heritage. with creating this marvellous Garden. Elaine Canty Aninnovativeproject–theVolunteer The Australian Garden will showcase Chairman Master Gardeners project – was for the future the beauty and diversity Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria established as part of the new suite of ofournativeplantsfromacrossthe public programs at the Australian Garden. continent,someofwhicharerareinthe This project saw 25 passionate amateur wild. Similarly, in demonstrating our focus gardeners trained to share their knowledge on plant biodiversity and conservation, and joy of gardening with members of the the National Herbarium of Victoria this public. This program is the first of its kind year signed a partnership with the Royal in Australia and is just one of many exciting Botanic Gardens, Kew to establish the programs offered by the Gardens. The Victorian Conservation Seedbank as part Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden of the Millennium Seed Bank Project, at RBG Melbourne remained a popular which is a global conservation effort. This destination with visitors and, in its second four and a half year project in Victoria year of operation, continued to delight aims to collect seeds from 450 endemic and capture the imagination of children. species or threatened communities

2 Our organisation

5 Corporate governance 6

The organisation 8

Royal Botanic Gardens’ Organisation Chart as at 30 June 2006 10

Corporate Management Group at 30 June 2006 11

Environmental performance 12

Legislation 15

Statements of compliance with Government policy 16

Legislative compliance 18

Financial overview 20

Comparison of financial results 21

Consultancies 22 Corporate governance

6 The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Board meetings are held at least nine Finance and Audit Committee is a statutory authority established under times every year. The Director attends Members of the Finance and the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991. The every Board meeting and the Divisional Audit Committee in 2005–06 were Board is responsible to the Minister for Director, Corporate Resources, is the Mr Mick Bourke (Chairman 1 July 2005 – Environment, the Hon. John Thwaites MP, Secretary to the Board. Divisional 8 April 2006), Mr Michael Hamson for fulfilling its statutory requirements Directors attend at least one Board (20 December 2005 – 30 June 2006; under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act meetingeachyeartoinformtheBoard Chairman 18 April 2006 – 30 June 2006), 1991 and the Royal Botanic Gardens of key issues and outputs relevant to Prof Pauline Ladiges (1 July 2005 – Regulations 2004. These make provision their Division. This enhances the Board 8 April 2006), Ms Elaine Canty for the care, protection, management and members’ knowledge of the Royal Botanic (1July2005–30June2006),andMrs improvement of RBG Melbourne and RBG Gardens and its activities. The Board JanetHalsall(18April2006–30June Cranbourne, the Herbarium and ARCUE. may also request external or independent 2006). Patron of the Royal Botanic Gardens is advice on a particular matter. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE. Remuneration The Board comprises seven members, Board committees Remuneration of Board members is including a Chairman and a Deputy Most Board members also participate fixed by the Governor-in-Council under Chairman, who are appointed by in one or more Board Committees, Schedule 2 of the Royal Botanic Gardens the Governor-in-Council on the which include: Act 1991. The Board appoints the Director recommendation of the Minister. – Finance and Audit Committee of the Royal Botanic Gardens and is AppointedBoardmembershavea responsible for the Director’s remuneration diversity of knowledge and expertise in – Australian Garden Project and performance. Members of the the fields of botany, horticulture, business Control Group Remuneration Committee in 2005–06 management, public administration and – Australian Garden Fundraising were Mr Mick Bourke (Chairman nature conservation. The members are Committee 1 July 2005 – 8 April 2006), Prof Pauline appointed for a term not exceeding four Ladiges (1 July 2005 – 8 April 2006), years, but are eligible for re-appointment. – Australian Research Centre for Urban Ms Elaine Canty (1 July 2005 – 30 June AquorumoftheBoardisfourmembers. Ecology Board of Management 2006), Mr Michael Hamson (20 December AmemberoftheBoardwho,either – Remuneration Committee 2005 – 30 June 2006; Chairman 18 April directly or indirectly, has a conflict of 2006 – 30 June 2006) and Mrs Janet – Risk Committee. interest or duties, or a direct or pecuniary Halsall(18April2006–30June2006). interest in any matter before the Board, The committees may include Board Refer to the financial statements for further must declare the nature of the interest members and other persons who information regarding remuneration. or conflict at a meeting of the Board. The bring special areas of expertise member must not take any further part in to the organisation. the discussion or voting on the matter to whichthedeclarationrelates.TheBoard oversees the governance of the Royal Botanic Gardens and may delegate its functions and powers to a committee of the Board, the Director, any of the Board’s members,oranyofitsstaff.TheDirector, as the Board’s Chief Executive Officer, has responsibility for the day-to-day management and control of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE John Thwaites MP Patron of the Royal Botanic Gardens Minister for Environment 7 Royal Botanic Gardens Prof Mark Burgman Mrs Janet Halsall BA, JP PhD, MSc (Hons), BSc (Hons) Board Victoria members Appointed to the Board 12 December 2000 Appointed to the Board 9 April 2006 as at 30 June 2006 Janet Halsall is a City of Casey Councillor, Ms Elaine Canty BA LLB Mark Burgman is Director, Australian and former Mayor of the municipality Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis, (1999–2000). She is the Council’s delegate Chairman – appointed 7 June 2005 Professor in the School of Botany, The for several environment and education- Deputy Chairman – 9 April 2002 University of Melbourne, a board member oriented committees and a member of – 6 June 2005 of Earthwatch, and an editorial board the Board’s Australian Garden Fundraising Appointed to the Board 9 April 2002 member of Biological Conservation. Committee. She is also undertaking ElaineCantyisManagingDirectorof full-time post-graduate studies at Mr W Rodger Elliot AM Canty Communications Pty Ltd. She Monash University. is also a Board Member of the Royal Appointed to the Board 23 April 1996 Ms Linda White LLB, BCom Women’s Hospital, Queen Victoria Mr Elliot is a recipient of the Australian Appointed to the Board 9 April 2006 Market, Melbourne Wholesale Fish Institute of Horticulture’s Award for Market and State Sport Centres Trust. Excellence, the Australian Natural History Linda White is Assistant National Mr Michael Hamson LLB Medallion, and the Royal Horticultural Secretary of the Australian Services Society (London) Gold Veitch Memorial Union, a solicitor, a director of legalsuper Deputy Chairman – appointed 9 April 2006 Medal, and is a Member, General and the Community Services and Health Appointed to the Board 11 October 2005

Division of the Order of Australia. He is an Industry Skills Council, and an executive Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 MichaelHamsonisqualiﬁedasaLawyer Honorary Life Member of the Australian member of the ACTU. and a Chartered Accountant and is Plant Society, and Deputy Chairman of the Chairman of Hamson Consultants Pty Maud Gibson Trust Advisory Committee. Ltd,SolarSystemsPtyLtd,Recreational Tourism Pty Ltd, Technology Venture Table 1: Board attendance ﬁgures – from July 2005 to June 2006 PartnersPtyLtd,andaDirectorof Newmont Mining Inc (USA) and Genesis Board member No. of meetings No. of meetings Emerging Markets Ltd (UK), as well as eligible to attend attended other public and private companies in Elaine Canty 8 7 Australia and New Zealand. Pauline Ladiges 6 5 Ms Judy Backhouse Michael Hamson 6 6 MAgrSci, BAgrSci (Hons) Rodger Elliot 8 8 Appointed to the Board 11 October 2005 Janet Halsall 8 8

Judy Backhouse is Executive Director, Michael Bourke 6 4 Public Land Division in the Department of Alison Stone 1 1 Sustainability and Environment. She has Judy Backhouse 6 6 held senior Victorian government positions Mark Burgman 2 0 in regional service delivery, strategic Linda White 2 1 planning and communications. The organisation

8 The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria administers RBG Cranbourne, RBG Melbourne, the National Herbarium of Victoria and Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology (ARCUE).

RBG Cranbourne The first stage of a new botanic garden, National Herbarium of Victoria the Australian Garden, opened at RBG RBGCranbourneisoneofVictoria’s The National Herbarium of Victoria, Cranbourneon28May2006.The most precious areas of remnant native foundedin1853andlocatedatRBG Australian Garden celebrates the beauty bushland and offers visitors the chance Melbourne, is the Victorian Government’s anddiversityofAustralianlandscapes to explore 363 hectares of heathlands, major centre for botanical studies in plant and features nearly 100,000 plants in wetlands and woodlands. It is recognised identification, collection and classification. the first 11 hectares. Complementing as a site of State significance for flora and the Garden is a visitor centre, café and The Herbarium houses the State fauna conservation, with over 25 species gift shop, interpretive displays, and Botanical Collection, an irreplaceable listed as endangered, threatened or at public and student programs. botanic resource of approximately risk of extinction. 1.2 million dried specimens of plants, Following representations by the RBG Melbourne fungi and algae from Australia and many MaudGibsonTrust,theGardens othercountries.Itisoneofthemost RBG Melbourne has been a treasured were established in 1970 when the historically significant collections in the part of Melbourne’s cultural life for Victorian Government acquired the world and is used by Herbarium staff and thepast160years–muchlovedby landwithaviewofdevelopingitinto visiting botanists for scientific research. generationsofVictorians,aswellas a botanic garden that complemented Research areas include biodiversity, by many visitors from interstate and RBG Melbourne through the display classification, evolution, geography, overseas. The Gardens are a picturesque of native plants and ecosystems. molecular systematics, conservation haven for recreation and an important and horticulture. Today, visitors to RBG Cranbourne enjoy resource for education, conservation, a natural bushland experience while science and horticulture. In addition, the State Botanical making use of the Gardens’ facilities Collection contains the oldest and RBG Melbourne extends over including over 10 km of walking tracks, a most comprehensive botanical library 38 hectares and houses a collection lookout tower, and barbecues and picnic in Australia. of over 10,000 species of plants from tables.Aswellasself-guidedwalks,there around the world, including amazing are a number of guided tours and visitor and diverse plant collections such as programs available throughout the year. camellias, rainforest flora, succulents In 2005–06, approximately 38,000 and cacti, roses, Californian species, people visited RBG Cranbourne and herbs, perennials, cycads and plants 7,000 children attended a range of from Southern China. paid programs. RBG Melbourne is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions, with 1,239,000 visitors in 2005–06. Visitor services and facilities include guided walks, interpretive signs, a visitor centre, two cafés and an award-winning retail outlet. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden attracted approximately 160,000 visitors, including 24,440 students. 9

ARCUE Table 2: Visitor numbers ARCUEwascreatedin1998tohelp Visitation 2005–06 increase understanding of the ecology, RBG Melbourne 1,239,000 restoration and management of urban RBG Cranbourne 38,000 natural areas throughout Australia and the world. Note: ARCUE’s activities encompass basic In 2004 the Royal Botanic Gardens Prior to implementing the new counting and applied research; undergraduate, reviewed its visitor counting systems system,thelevelofmonitoringateachof honours and postgraduate training; Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 at both RBG Cranbourne and RBG RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne long-term ecological studies; community Melbourne. Following a public tender was limited and relied on only two education; and policy and management process, the management of the counting counting locations at each site. Statistical advicetoalllevelsofgovernmentand system was let to a new contractor. models were used to extrapolate the consultancy services. In addition, ARCUE The selected contractor subsequently results to estimate visitor use across all works closely with the School of Botany implemented a new system for counting entrances. In contrast, the new system at The University of Melbourne, where visitors on 1 July 2005. provides a more accurate methodology it is located, and with the research and for estimating visitor numbers. education programs of RBG Melbourne The new system provides a more Consequently, more detailed and reliable and RBG Cranbourne. comprehensive method for counting visitor-use data are now being obtained. visitors. Visitor-counting equipment has been installed at all public entrances to A decrease in the recorded level of the Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens. visitation between this year (2005–06) Counters have also been positioned and the previous ﬁnancial year has at the entrances to the Visitor Centres, been observed. It is expected that this Shops and other high-usage locations change is predominantly due to the within each Garden. Data are collected upgrade in visitor counting system and from the counting equipment regularly. the associated increase in the volume Reports summarising the data are of data captured. provided by the contractor each month. As more data are collected, longer- These reports have provided useful term temporal trends in visitation will be management information for both RBG investigated. This information will be of Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne. great value in the evaluation of future management and planning scenarios. Royal Botanic Gardens’ Organisation Chart as at 30 June 2006

Director Dr Philip Moors

Administration, Development

Plant Sciences Melbourne Gardens Cranbourne Gardens Corporate Resources ARCUE & Biodiversity Divisional Director Divisional Director Divisional Director Director Chief Botanist and Richard Barley Chris Russell Jenny Steinicke Assoc Prof Divisional Director Mark McDonnell Dr David Cantrill

– Collections – Horticulture – Australian Garden – Australian Garden – Ecology – Library – Infrastructure (Stage One) (Stage Two) – Research – Plant Sciences – Public Programs – Horticulture – Business & Finance – Land Management – Human Resources & Infrastructure – Information Services – Planning & – Legal & Policy Development – Marketing & – Public Programs Communications Corporate Management Group at 30 June 2006

Director (1992) His research interests focus on integrating Divisional Director, information from fossil and living floras Dr Philip Moors PhD, BSc (Hons) RBG Melbourne (1992) to understanding the origins of patterns Leads and promotes the activities of of diversity in the Southern Hemisphere. Richard Barley BAppSc (Horticulture) RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne, the Responsible for horticultural planning Prof Jim Ross retired from this position HerbariumandARCUEinordertoachieve and operations, including landscape in December 2005, after 13 years as the highest standards in horticultural, planning, management and development Divisional Director and Chief Botanist. His scientific and financial management and of living collections, arboriculture, career spanned a total of 30 years’ service in visitor and education programs. nursery operations, and site facilities with the National Herbarium of Victoria.

Dr Moors worked as an ecologist in New and infrastructure of RBG Melbourne. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Provides direction for the development Zealandfor15years,becomingAssistant Director, ARCUE (1998) Director (Research) for the Department of and delivery of public programs at Conservation. Between 1989 and 1992 Assoc Prof Mark McDonnell PhD, MSc, BA RBG Melbourne. hewasDirectoroftheRoyalAustralasian Responsible for scientific studies of plant Ornithologists Union (now Birds Australia) biodiversity and ecological processes Divisional Director, in Melbourne. He was awarded a in Australian cities and towns. Currently, RBG Cranbourne (2001) Centenary Medal in 2003 for services studies focus on applying ecological Chris Russell BSc (Hons), to the community through conservation science to the management and Grad Dip Land Rehab and the environment. preservation of biodiversity in urban and suburban environments in Victoria. Responsible for the management of RBG Chief Botanist and Divisional Dr McDonnell is also an Associate Cranbourne, including the Australian Garden (Stage One), horticultural Director, Plant Sciences and Professor with the School of Botany at The University of Melbourne. planning, research and operations, Biodiversity (2006) conservation research and management, Dr David Cantrill PhD, BSc (Hons) Divisional Director, development and delivery of public programs, landscape and infrastructure Responsible for scientific research into Corporate Resources (1992) management, and delivery of capital plant biodiversity and systematics, and Jenny Steinicke BA, Grad Dip Bus works projects. management of the State Botanical Collection. As Chief Botanist, he Responsible for initiating and co- holds statutory responsibility under ordinating projects to improve corporate the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991 governance and management, and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled including financial management and Substances Act 1981. planning, human resources, marketing and communications, information Dr Cantrill worked for ten years as a services, business development and palaeobotanist for the British Antarctic implementation, and legal, legislative Survey in Cambridge before moving and contractual issues. Ms Steinicke is totheSwedishMuseumofNatural also responsible for the contractual and History as a Senior Curator within financial management of the Australian the Department of Palaeobotany. Garden (Stage Two) at RBG Cranbourne. Environmental performance

12 During 2005–06 the Royal Botanic Gardens continued to implement a number of sustainable practices organisation-wide to reduce environmental impacts.

Sustainable office practices continue The development of the new Australian Also, within the Australian Garden there with substantial recycling of paper and Garden at RBG Cranbourne is based is a weed evaluation and management cardboard and the use of office machines on Environmentally Sustainable Design strategyforallplants,andrecycled featuring double-sided printing. All (ESD) principles. The new Visitor Centre, materials are used where possible. Plant kitchen areas in both Melbourne and designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects irrigation is kept to a minimum, and in Cranbourne offices have recycling for and opened in May 2006, incorporating many cases watering will only be required food waste, bottles and cartons, and reception and a gallery, café and shop, during the establishment phase of the paper towel is recycled in the bathrooms. was built on this basis. This included: Gardenornotatall. In addition, improvements have been – two rock stores under the building The Royal Botanic Gardens continued made to the technology connections to regulate thermal comfort with its progressive approach to weed between RBG Melbourne and RBG floor ducts throughout carrying the management in 2005–06. An Australian Cranbourne to enable a reduction moderated air temperature around Botanic Gardens Weeds Workshop was in car travel. the building held at RBG Melbourne in July 2005 and a RBG Cranbourne and RBG Melbourne policy for Weed Management in Australian – high ceilings for dispersal of hot were re-certified in Sustainability Botanic Gardens was established. This air in the summer and wind-driven Victoria’s Waste Wise Government policy and a framework for a weed risk extraction fans in the ceilings of the Program and remain committed to assessment procedure (WRAP) was gallery, reception and café areas reducing waste. Waste continues to endorsed by the Council of Heads of be recycled including vast quantities of – small windows and louvres on the Australian Botanic Gardens in October gardengreenwaste.Asinpreviousyears, northern façade to protect the building 2005. The WRAP is currently being trialled garden waste continues to be turned into from excessive sun exposure in and finalised in liaison with staff of the Co- mulch and reused on garden beds, thus summer operative Research Centre for Australian reducing irrigation water demand. Weed Management in Adelaide. – in the majority of areas, the use of recycled timber or timber from sustainably harvested sources in construction of the building. Radial- sawn timber was used for the weatherboard cladding as it ensures ahigherpercentageofwoodis utilisedfromeachlog

– collecting water from the roof at the north-easterncornerofthebuilding and directing it into the Rockpool Waterway. 13 Figure 1: RBG Melbourne irrigation water use 1994–2006

300,000 4.0 Total irrigation water use (kl) 3.5 Irrigation Index (Ideal is 1.0)

tres) 250,000 i

lol 3.0 i 200,000 AnIrrigationIndexisamanagement 2.5 performance indicator to compare on (K i 150,000 2.0 estimatedwaterneedswithwhat was actually used. 1.5 100,000 Avalueof1orlessisan‘idealrating’. 1.0 50,000 A value exceeding 1 indicates 0.5 overwatering: for example, an index

Water Consumpt Water 0 0.0 of 1.08 suggests overwatering by 8% 1995–96 1996–97 2003–04 1994–95 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2004–05 2005–06 Financial year

Table 3: RBG Melbourne irrigation water use 1994–2006 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Financial Year Total irrigation % water reduction Irrigation index water use (kl) compared (Ideal is 1.0) to 1994–95

1994–95 251,133 0% 3.2 1995–96 182,213 27% 3.5 1996–97 240,820 4% 1.2 1997–98 237,653 5% 1.6 1998–99 180,715 28% 1.2 1999–00 204,634 19% 1.8 2000–01 163,739 35% 1.0 2001–02 144,854 42% 0.94 2002–03 166,758 34% 0.93 2003–04 122,313 51% 0.93 2004–05 100,365 60% 1.08 2005–06 106,609 58% 0.93 Note:Finalirrigationreadingstakenon29June2006.

Table 4: Annual rainfall

Rainfall (mm) Rainfall % Water loss Irrigation water consumption in compared to measured by 2005–06 was slightly higher (2%) compared to the previous ﬁnancial previous ﬁnancial Eto* (mm) year.However,rainfallrecordedbythe year RBG Melbourne Automatic Weather Stationwas538mmduring2005–06 2004–05 666 1178 –a19%reductioninannualrainfall comparedto666mmfor2004-05. 2005–06 538 81% 1285 *Eto:E=evaporationfromsoil+To=transpirationfromplants Environmental performance (continued)

Figure 2: RBG Melbourne domestic water use

25,000 Total water consumption from All Source Meter Readings 20,000 (less Irrigation)

15,000 Water consumption – leased

tres Businesses and other user groups i lol i 10,000 K

5,000

0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 Financial year

Table 5: RBG Melbourne domestic water consumption 2000–2006

Reading Date Equivalent Total Water % Change % Financial Water RBG Water Financial Year Consumption Year Saving Consumption Consumption from All Source - Leased (kl) Meter Readings Businesses (less Irrigation) and other (kl) User Groups (kl)

02-Jul-01 2000–01 17,758 8,266 9,492 01-Jul-02 2001–02 21,945 124% -24% 8,694 13,251 30-Jun-03 2002–03 18,052 82% 18% 6,361 11,691 30-Jun-04 2003–04 20,540 114% -14% 5,575 14,965 01-Jul-05 2004–05 17,313 84% 16% 5,378 11,935 29-Jun-06 2005–06 14,254 82% 18% 4,587 9,667 TOTAL 109,862 38,861 71,001 Average 18,310 6,477 11,834 Legislation

No amendments were made to the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991 in 2005–06. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Statements of compliance with Government policy

Contributing to cultural Two of the main aims of this project National Competition Policy are: increased access, engagement diversity, youth and TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard and participation by the Indigenous Victoria has a commitment to indigenous affairs community in RBG Cranbourne and its implementing National Competition The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria remnant bushland, the State Botanical Policy reform initiatives as they apply to is committed to providing services that are Collection, and connections to ‘country’; this organisation. Competitive neutrality accessible to all people to introduce and and facilitating the interpretation policyseekstoensurethatwherethe promote the history, culture, horticulture of Indigenous culture to the wider Government’s business activities involve andscientificendeavoursofthe community as diverse and living, whilst it in competition with private sector organisation. In 2005–06 these included: increasing community participation in business activities, the net competitive cultural activities on-site. It is envisaged Community development –InJuly advantages that accrue to a government that works of art may be one of the 2005 Vicki Nicholson-Brown, an business are offset. diverse ways in which culture will be elder of the Wurundjeri community, interpreted within the Australian Garden. The Victorian Government’s Competitive commenced work at RBG Cranbourne Neutrality Policy Victoria 2000 sets out as our first Aboriginal Community Liaison Aboriginal Heritage Walk –provision three measures that can be taken by Officer. This position was made possible of a program to raise awareness of Government businesses to achieve by a grant from Arts Victoria through and respect for the customs and rich competitive neutrality. These are the Community Liaison Officer and heritage of the local Boonerwurrung corporatisation, commercialisation and full Professionals in Residence Program, and Woiwurrung people and the ancestral cost reflective pricing. The Royal Botanic aCreativeCapacity+initiative. lands that RBG Melbourne occupies. Gardens Board Victoria adopts full cost This project will create a collaborative Diversity @ Work – continuation of reflective pricing for its business activities. partnership between RBG Cranbourne, a collaborative cross-cultural program During 2005–06, the Royal Botanic the Inter-Council Aboriginal Consultative aimed at strengthening Indigenous Gardens Board Victoria has continued Committee (ICACC), Local Government, employment opportunities. toadjustthefullcostbaseofeachRoyal the ancestral custodial group – the Education programs –provision Botanic Gardens’ business activity to Boonerwurrung – and the Indigenous through schools of access for children include the net costs that the business and wider community. of all cultural and societal backgrounds wouldfacewereitprivatelyowned. to enjoyment and learning at the Royal In addition, in accordance with National Botanic Gardens. Competition Policy, the Royal Botanic The Royal Botanic Gardens will continue Gardens Board Victoria ensures that the to develop and provide services, which pricing policies of all its business activities contribute to cultural diversity, youth are consistent with compliance with Part and indigenous affairs. IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974. 17

Risk management Victorian Industry During 2005–06, no tenders for projects at the Royal Botanic Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Risk Participation Policy statement wereofsufficientvaluetorequirethe Management Plan adopts and applies The Victorian Government’s Industry inclusionofaVIPPStatementinthe asystematicprocesstoidentify, Participation Policy (VIPP) seeks to tender documentation. analyse, assess, treat and monitor maximise opportunities for Australian risk in the activities and functions of the and Victorian suppliers to compete for Statement of availability RoyalBotanicGardenssothattherisk government business on the basis of of other information inherent in those activities and functions bestvalueformoneyoverthelifeofthe is reduced. Risks are examined in the goodsorservices.TheVIPPisintended Information relevant to the headings listed Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 context of the existing organisational to encourage growth in Victorian industry, in Financial Reporting Direction 22 of the controls, and the degree to which those employment and technology. Financial Management Act 1994 is held controls are effective in managing the at the Authority’s office and is available on As both RBG Melbourne and risk is assessed and related to the level request from the Director, Royal Botanic RBG Cranbourne are located within anddegreeofoversightrequired.Results Gardens, subject to the Freedom of metropolitan Melbourne, the Royal arereportedannuallytotheVictorian Information Act 1982. Managed Insurance Authority. The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria requires Botanic Gardens Board Victoria uses tenderersforprojectswithavaluegreater theRiskManagementPlanandseveral than $3 million to demonstrate that they other planning mechanisms to identify, have genuinely considered the industry understand and manage possible positive development implications of their tender andnegativeoutcomes. by completing a VIPP Statement as part of the tendering and evaluation process. During 2005–06, the Risk Management Wheretherearetwoormoretendersthat Plan was reviewed on two occasions offer similar value for money, the VIPP asrequired.Therehasbeennomaterial information may be used to differentiate changeintheriskprofileoftheRoyal between the value and benefit of Botanic Gardens. the tenders.

Tenderers are required to specify the leveloflocalvalueadded,providedetails of actual new employment opportunities tobecreatedandtheproportiontobe ﬁlled by people from the local community, identify opportunities for increasing the skills of Victorians and Australians, andidentifythepotentialtoundertake technology innovation, research and development. Legislative compliance

Financial Management Act 1994 Categories of documents Information Privacy Act 2000 TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard FulldetailsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens and Health Records Act 2001 Victoria maintains a corporate records Board Victoria’s compliance with The Information Privacy Act 2000 aims management filing system. Files are the Financial Management Act 1984 to increase public confidence in the separatedintothecategoriesofpersonal are outlined in the section Financial Government’s ability to protect and or case files, operational and policy Statements and in the disclosure index. manage the personal information that it files, files on general operational and collects and stores. Freedom of Information administrative responsibilities, and correspondence files. The Health Records Act 2001 aims to (FOI) Act 1982 protect the privacy of health information Access arrangements and regulates the collection, handling and Principal Officer TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard disposal of health information. Dr Philip Moors, Director, Victoria has a Freedom of Information TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard Royal Botanic Gardens Officer to process and co-ordinate action Victoria and its service providers are on requests. Authorised Officer committed to maintaining the privacy of personal information and health Dennis Renfrey, Freedom Requests records. The Royal Botanic Gardens has of Information Officer For the 12 months ending 30 June 2006, developed a Privacy Policy. A copy of The Freedom of Information Act 1982 no requests were received. the Policy can be obtained by contacting allows the public a right of access Freedom of Information requests are the Privacy Officer on 9252 2300, or by to documents held by the Royal made in writing describing all documents writing to the Privacy Officer at Royal Botanic Gardens. requested and including payment of the Botanic Gardens, Private Bag 2000, $21.50 application fee. Further charges South Yarra, Victoria 3141. may be payable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST.

RequestsaresenttotheFreedom of Information Ofﬁcer, Royal Botanic Gardens, Private Bag 2000, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. 19

Building and maintenance At RBG Melbourne during 2005–06, Whistleblowers Protection provisions of the Building an existing public toilet at the Visitor Act 2001 Centre was extended, five new toilet Act 1993 blocks were constructed and work has Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard commenced to completely renovate Statement Victoria complies with building another existing toilet block. Also during During 2005–06, there were no management provisions of the Building 2005–06,theActivityShelterandTree disclosures made to the Royal Botanic Act 1993.TheRoyalBotanicGardens TowerinTheIanPotterFoundation Gardens Board Victoria and no Board Victoria ensures that all works Children’s Garden were constructed disclosures referred to the Ombudsman requiring building approval have plans and completed. All were constructed by Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 in relation to the Whistleblowers certified, works in progress inspected registered builders in accordance with Protection Act 2001. and Occupancy Permits issued by approved drawings and specifications. independent Building Surveyors engaged All had plans certified, works in progress RefertoAppendixOneforthe onalocaljobbyjobbasis.Italsoensures inspected and Occupancy Permits issued Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 that plans for these works are lodged with where required by independent Building procedures and details of the Royal the relevant local council. Surveyors. Botanic Gardens Board Victoria’s compliance with this Act. TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard Maintenance Victoria requires all building practitioners Maintenance and improvement works engaged on building works to be are regularly carried out on Royal Botanic registered and maintain registration Gardens’ buildings to ensure that they throughout the course of the works. are maintained in a safe and serviceable Building work condition. At RBG Cranbourne, the Visitor Centre Conformity and Rockpool Pavilion were completed Work is continuing to ensure that in late 2005. An occupancy certificate for all existing buildings conform with the Visitor Centre was received soon after standards. Outstanding items are completion and the building is now being of a non-urgent priority. used by the staff and public. Financial overview

Revenue generation and Victorian Government income budgetary objectives A continuing budgetary challenge for The Royal Botanic Gardens’ income is theRoyalBotanicGardensistosecure primarily annual recurrent funding from ongoing funding to meet growing the Victorian Government, supplemented asset replacement requirements. This by income generated through grants, challenge is not unique to the Royal donations, fund-generating programs, Botanic Gardens, but is exacerbated business operations and investment. by the advanced age of much of the The annual recurrent budget is allocated infrastructure and the number of to salaries, operating costs and minor heritage assets under the Royal Botanic capital works. Gardens’ management. Discussions have commenced with the Department Themainbudgetaryobjectivesofthe of Sustainability and Environment to organisation are to: seek an ongoing solution to this issue. – provide for the operational growth of RBG Cranbourne, associated with the Financial results for 2005–06 development of the Australian Garden Total $ – improve the curation of the State Government funding Botanical Collection State Government

– identify and implement new business – Recurrent grant 9,253,000 opportunities building on the Royal – Other grants 414,145 Botanic Gardens brand, while Commonwealth Government 364,785 fostering the expansion of current Sponsorship 1,568,370 revenue sources General Revenue 3,515,257 – achieve a consistent growth Total Expenses (15,149,089) in corporate, community and Operating Surplus/(Deﬁcit) (33,532) philanthropic contributions of at least 10 per cent per annum. Comparison of financial results

The following table compares the financial results over the past five years. There were no significant changes to the business operations during this period.

2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 2001–02 $ $ $ $ $ Government funding State Government – Recurrent grant 9,253,000 8,522,000 7,810,000 6,477,800 6,299,800 –Othergrants 414,145 2,740,143 5,264,599 3,762,712 1,173,928

Commonwealth Government 364,785 165,987 277,903 246,596 100,000 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Sponsorship 1,568,370 2,392,386 845,114 2,146,124 1,731,014 General Revenue 3,515,257 3,664,922 3,225,709 2,751,624 2,335,142 Total Expenses (15,149,089) (15,242,132) (12,844,752) (11,951,893) (11,435,466) Operating Surplus/(Deﬁcit) (33,532) 2,243,306 4,578,573 3,432,963 204,518 Consultancies

Consultanciesduringtheyeararesummarisedasfollows:

No. of Operating Costs Total engagements expenses capitalised

Consultancieslessthan$100,000 50 316,719 8,333 325,052 Consultancies more than $100,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil 50 316,719 8,333 325,052 3 Our employees

23 Employee profile 24

Employee support and development 26

Employee relations 27

Employee recognition 28 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Employee profile

24 The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria is committed to applying merit and equity principles when appointing staff. The selection processes ensure that applicants are assessed and evaluated fairly and equitably on the basis of the key selection criteria and other accountabilities without discrimination.

Table 6: Comparative employee proﬁle As at 30 June 2006 employee numbers totalled 200. A table representing the last four years of employee numbers is provided below:

30 June 2003 30 June 2004 30 June 2005 30 June 2006

Full-time 126 123 120 121 Part-time 31 29 35 31 Casual 52 60 43 48 Total Staff 209 212 198 200

Table 7 below provides a more detailed description of employee data, including numbersoffulltime,parttimeandcasualstaffasat30June2006.

Table 7: Employee numbers as at 30 June 2006 FULL TIME PART TIME CASUAL TOTAL FTE Male Female S/T Male Female S/T Male Female S/T Male Female Total Male Female Total

Directorate 1 340 330 111 7815 6 Corporate Resources 12 11 23 1 8 9 1 1 2 14 20 34 13 15.5 28.5 Melbourne Gardens 28 12 40 2 7 9 13 30 43 43 49 92 35.5 30.5 66 Plant Sciences & Biodiversity 11 9 20 2 4 6 0 2 2 13 15 28 12 12 24 Cranbourne Gardens 16 12 28 1 3 4 0 0 0 17 15 32 16.5 13.5 30 ARCUE 4 260 000 004 2642 6 TOTAL 72 49 121 6 25 31 14 34 48 92 108 200 82 78.5 160.5

Profile includes employees seconded from other agencies. Profile excludes: a) employees seconded to other agencies, b) employees on extended leave i.e. maternity leave, and c) Jobskills trainees. FTE: Full Time Equivalent – to obtain the full time equivalent data, casual and part time employees areaddedtogetheranddividedbytwo. Apprentices: RBG now employs contract apprentices through Apprenticeships Plus. As at 30 June 2006 this involved five male apprentices. However, as contractors, it is not appropriate to include them in this table. 25

Table 8: Attrition rates 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Attritionrate–involuntary1 3.8% 4.6% 6.5% 12.5% Attritionrate–voluntary2 15.9% 10.5% 11.0% 15.7% Attrition–Total3 19.7% 15.1% 17.5% 28.2%

1 Involuntary departures consist of contract expiry (i.e. fixed term/task contracts that conclude), redundancy or negotiated departures (i.e. employees who were retrenched, did not pass their probationperiod,orleftfollowingperformancemanagementprocesses). 2 Voluntary departures refertoallotheremployeeresignations. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 3 The formulae used and definition classifications are based upon Australian Human Resources Institute models. Formula for attrition rate =numberofdeparturesdividedbynumberofstaff(asperannual report)x100.

Casual employees are not included in attrition statistics in line with standard industry practice. The Involuntary Attrition Rate in 2005–06 was increased by the conclusion of contracts due to the completion of the Australia’s Virtual Herbarium project. Employee support and development

26 The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria is committed to the development of a skilled and professional workforce, and to providing safe and equitable working conditions for all.

Occupational health The increase in workcover claims for Equal employment and safety (OHS) the 2005–06 period appears to be due opportunity (EEO) to the increased workload required in As an initiative to improve health finalising the Australian Garden (Stage The EEO Committee arranged an and productivity, the Royal Botanic One).Itisexpectedthatthenumberof information session for EEO awareness. Gardens Board Victoria again offered claims will drop in 2006–07 now that This session is compulsory for all new all employees the opportunity to receive the Australian Garden (Stage One) is employees and optional for existing free influenza vaccinations, provided complete. The Occupational Health and employeeswhowanttoattenda with the generous assistance of CSL Safety Committee continued to monitor refresher program. Ltd. Approximately 50 employees all workcover incidents and claims. were vaccinated. Professional development The annual SunSmart program was OHS legislation awareness The 2005–06 Professional Development again held at both RBG Melbourne Compulsory OHS legislation awareness program included workshops such and RBG Cranbourne. training was provided for all Royal Botanic as Equal Employment Opportunity, The OHS Committee conducted a Gardens’ employees. The objective of SunSmart and OHS. Tai Chi classes number of ‘hazard hunts’ across the the training was to increase employee were held at RBG Cranbourne and organisation to identify potential OHS understanding of OHS legislation, increase RBG Melbourne, as part of the work- risks. Refresher training was provided employee awareness of changes to the life balance initiative. for relevant First Aid Officers. First Aid OHS legislation and increase employee incidents reported and Workcover claims awareness of employer and employee Employee Assistance Progam responsibilities and obligations for OHS. lodged in 2005–06 are reported in the The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria table below, along with comparable has an agreement with International data for the preceding three years. Psychological Services (IPS) to provide As at 30 June 2006, 27 Workcover an Employee Assistance Program for claims had been received. Royal Botanic Gardens’ employees and members of their households. Table 9: Workcover incidents This program provides a confidential counselling service seven days a week, 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 24 hours a day. The program has been Incidents reported 43 33 30 49 well received by employees, with a high Workcoverclaims 19141427 annual utilisation rate recorded in the first years of operation. Employee relations

27 During 2005–06, 66 appointments were made to Royal Botanic Gardens’ positions. An average of 4.7 interviews were held per vacancy, and the average time taken to fill each vacancy was 39.6 calendar days.

Organisational reviews were undertaken Employee survey outcomes of the Education Services and Visitor In March 2005, the Ofﬁce of Public Services Branches (Melbourne Gardens Employment conducted an online Division), and the Collections Branch employee survey of the Victorian (Plant Sciences and Biodiversity Division) Public Service, including the Royal during this period. Botanic Gardens. Results from this employee survey became available Public Programs Branch, in September 2005. RBG Melbourne

In comparison to other participating Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 In order for the Royal Botanic Gardens public sector employers, the Royal to be in the best position to achieve its BotanicGardensrankedinthetop community engagement goals, it was quartile (i.e. highest 25%) for the recognised that a single Public Programs majority of the responses. This outcome Branch at RBG Melbourne would be demonstratesthattheRoyalBotanic better suited to delivering a co-ordinated Gardens Board Victoria is an organisation suite of programs to all visitor/audience that has effective processes and policies segments. Consequently, the Education in place to support its employees. Services and Visitor Services Branches in the Melbourne Gardens Division were merged. Employee recognition

Guilfoyle Awards The Guilfoyle Awards, named for William Guilfoyle, the second Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens who took up his position in 1873, recognise excellence and achievement of both individual employees and teams of employees in contributing to the activities of the Royal Botanic Gardens. In 2005–06, awards were presented to the following employees:

INDIVIDUAL AWARD David Alsop

Outstanding contribution to the development of the RBG Melbourne Public Toilets Project

TEAM AWARDS Royal Botanic Gardens Australian Garden Team

Outstanding performance in planning and carrying out the Australian Garden Project and sustained high levels of team productivity

Australia’s Virtual Herbarium Team

OutstandingteameffortinsuccessfullycompletingtheAustralia’sVirtual Herbarium Project 4 Our achievements

29 Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community 31

Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research 41

Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources 49 30

The Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991 The Business Plan 2005–06 flows Statement of Professional requires that the Royal Botanic Gardens from the Corporate Plan and adopts its Excellence Board prepares a Corporate Plan outlining structure of strategic goals and priorities. the strategies the Board intends to It provides further detail of the actions The statement of Professional adopt to achieve the objectives of the in the Corporate Plan that were to be Excellence is now available on-line Act and the priorities and targets of the achieved in the first financial year of the on the Royal Botanic Gardens’ website Board. The Corporate Plan 2005–08 Corporate Plan, as well as actions that at www.rbg.vic.gov.au. – Connecting people with plants –sets were not envisaged when the Corporate out the Board’s strategic goals and Plan was prepared. The Business Plan priorities (within those goals), and the also sets out the budget allocated to actions to be undertaken in the planning achieving each strategic goal and includes period to achieve these objectives. key performance indicators to measure the Royal Botanic Gardens’ performance The Corporate Plan is a strategic of the Business Plan outcomes. Where planning document, and the Royal Botanic appropriate, Business Plan outcomes Gardens’ other planning documents are are cross-referenced in the text to related developed from the Corporate Plan. This actions under each of the goals. section, Our achievements, describes the progress,todate,ofeachoftheseactions. Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community

The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of Melbourne’s premier leisure and tourist attractions, offering a diverse and vibrant visitor experience through its Melbourne and Cranbourne sites. We will strive to continually enrich and improve the experiences of our visitors and to remain aware of and be responsive to their needs. We aim to connect people of all ages and abilities with plants by developing new gardens and collections, through innovative visitor and education programs, and by enhancing therangeofactivitiesofferedintheGardens.Overthenextthreeyears,wewillreach a wider audience through our off-site programs, with an emphasis on educational services. By connecting with more people, we aim to increase community awareness

of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ scientiﬁc and horticultural research and the importance Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 of plant life and conserving biodiversity. Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community (continued)

32 Strategic Priority 1A: To maintain awareness of and be responsive to the needs of the community by delivering recreational and educational programs that are stimulating and innovative

Action Description

1. Determine the degree of Datafromthe2003CustomerSatisfactionResearchhavecontinuedtobeused representation of community sectors to inform the development of programs and publications. Further visitor satisfaction participating in the Royal Botanic research will be conducted in 2006–07. Gardens’ existing programs and The development of new programs, such astheAustralianGardenVolunteer features, and develop new and refine Master Gardeners Program at RBG Cranbourne, will allow the Royal Botanic existing recreational and educational Gardens to communicate directly with visitors through face-to-face interpretation. productsandservicestomeet This opportunity to talk with knowledgeable and passionate home gardeners the needs of under-represented –theVolunteerMasterGardeners–isawayofgatheringinformationthatvisitors groups. Explore and develop further find informal, friendly and accessible. avenuesofcommunicatingwithnew generations about plants. Public Programs staff at RBG Cranbourne have developed the first podcast for theAustralianGarden(StageOne).Thisaudiofileallowspeopletodownloadan As demonstrated by the following specific introductory tour through Stage One and hear directly from members of staff and outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual designers. This sort of interpretation is accessible to younger people who may not Business Plan, by: necessarily connect with signs or guides and is also an increasingly important tool – conducting visitor satisfaction for engaging ‘virtual visitors’ from overseas. Education service staff developed new research and other relevant research programs for RBG Cranbourne aimed at engaging middle-years secondary school students. These programs, such as Wilams not Wigwams and A Shared Country, – commencing new education are designed to capture the imagination of students by looking at ways traditional programs for secondary students. peoples, such as the Kulin nation, used plants in their everyday lives.

As a result of funding from Alec Prentice Sewell Gifts, 15 underprivileged schools took advantage of a program of free bus travel offered by RBG Melbourne, enabling them to participate in education programs. New programs for secondary students focussed on fostering long-term relationships with the Royal Botanic Gardens. Students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School participated in anewGarden Mentor program, facilitating interaction with younger visitors to The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden (Children’s Garden). This program seeks to forge meaningful community connections for young people, offers the chance for them to make artistic contributions to the Children’s Garden programs and provides small children with opportunities to work with secondary school students. A free program for special schools was also developed, involving volunteers working with students on a regular basis in the Children’s Garden. This program seeks to engage children in a long-term relationship with the Children’s Garden, increasing opportunities for children to manage their own plots and contribute to the decision- making process. It also develops links back to the school offering children the chance to prepare and eat their produce at school.

A new guided walk entitled Commonwealth Connections, highlighting the international connections of RBG Melbourne’s plant collection, was developed to attract international visitors who were in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Games. The Aboriginal Resource Trail program has undergone an intensive review under the guidance of Indigenous staff members, resulting in enhanced experiences for children and Indigenous vocabulary being incorporated into the program. 33

Action Description

2. Developastrategyforaco-ordinated The Community Engagement Working Group (see Strategic Priority 1C.9 below education program, linking the for further information) reviewed educational services and products in the context Melbourne and Cranbourne sites of the introduction of the new Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). As a andspecialfeaturessuchasthe result,theRoyalBotanicGardensiswellplacedtodeliverinnovativeandrelevant Australian Garden and The Ian Potter curriculum based services to Victorian schools. Foundation Children’s Garden. Theprovisionofasupplementinteacherresourcekitsandtwice-yearlyprofessional Continue to review and evaluate development workshops provided teachers with support in using VELS in their curriculum-based educational planning.FiftyteachersparticipatedineachworkshopatRBGMelbourne. services and products to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our Allteachers,parentsand,whereappropriate,programparticipantsareinvitedto education-service clients. completefeedbackformstoensureprogramsaremeetingexpectationsandstated goals.Teacherevaluationformsarecollatedandreviewedtwiceyearly. As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Business Plan, by:

– including provision for professional development for external teachers and curriculum support materials

– delivering a diverse suite of high quality educational programs, Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 utlitisingthefeaturesofTheIan Potter Foundation Children’s Garden and based on the program planning thatwascarriedoutduringthe development of the Children’s Garden

– monitoring and reviewing feedback from program participants.

3. Contribute to the development and TheVolunteerMasterGardeners(VMGs)havedevelopedthreeprogramsfocused improvement of home gardening on home gardening for delivery in the Australian Garden: Q&A, a daily ‘drop-in’ practicesbydevelopingrelevant, program where VMGs answer plant-related questions; Top Tips,a20-minute informative and environmentally demonstration that allows the VMGs to explore gardening techniques or tools of focused programs, demonstrations usetohomegardeners;andGet Your Hands Dirty, an activity that teaches families and products. visiting on the weekend basic gardening techniques.

At RBG Melbourne, a program of regular plant displays at the Visitor Centre was implemented as an innovative way of engaging visitors. Interpretative signs focussing on water conservation and its impact on home gardening were installed throughout RBG Melbourne. A water conservation gardening tip has also been incorporated into regular seasonal brochures.

Sustainable Gardening,aprogramforschools,giveschildren,parentsand teachers a hands-on gardening experience in a functioning organic kitchen garden. This program provides children with the skills to practise sustainable gardening techniques in both their home and school gardens. Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community (continued)

Action Description

4. Enhance the content and relevance Online content and electronic communications tools have continued to be reﬁned of our online and other information over the past 12 months. services. ReworkingoftheWhat’s On section of the website has resulted in easier navigation, andboththeRBGCranbourneandAustralianGardensectionsofthewebsitewere revampedintheleaduptotheopeningoftheAustralianGarden(StageOne). RBGMelbournehostedfourstudentsfromtheWorcesterPolytechnicInstitute, Massachusetts,overasix-weekperiod.Thesestudentsundertookaresearch projecttoreview,andproviderecommendationson,theeducationcontentof the website.

Website information architecture was reviewed with the resulting decision to introduce MySource Matrix to address increased user demand. Ongoing user traininghasbeenprovidedtoresponsiblebranches,sothatinformationcanbe managedinatimelymanner.Overall,thewebsitegrewby10percentin2005–06.

Other innovations have included the development and distribution of e-cards to promotetheopeningoftheAustralianGarden(StageOne)andTheGardensShop. It is proposed that these will be used in the future to promote Development Branch and Public Programs Branch initiatives. The Royal Botanic Gardens email newsletter, News @ RBG,hasalsoincreasedinpopularityandhasproventobeanexcellent informationserviceforsubscribers.Newsoftware,‘groupmail’,wasintroducedto manage electronic mailouts of News @ RBG.

InpreparationfortheopeningoftheAustralianGarden(StageOne),RBG Cranbourne Public Programs Branch developed a range of information tools including a calendar of tours and events, factsheets, new interpretive signage andbrochuresthatinterprettheAustralianGardentoarangeofvisitors.This layeredapproachtointerpretationisintendedtodelivertherightinformation to the relevant audiences. 35 Strategic Priority 1B: To advance the community’s understanding of the importance of plants in sustaining life on earth and the need to conserve biodiversity

Action Description

5. Communicate in publications and The role of the Royal Botanic Gardens in conserving biodiversity is communicated education/visitor programs, the in publications such as the Annual Report, the corporate magazine, Floreo,tourism unique role of the Royal Botanic brochures,thewaterconservationbrochure,andseasonalguides.Theroleisalso Gardens, and botanic gardens in communicated in media releases and in information made available on the web general, in conserving biodiversity. site www.rbg.vic.gov.au.

The June-August issue of Australasian Plant Conservation, the bulletin of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, was a special issue on The Forgotten Flora Remembered, edited by the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Senior Mycologist, Tom May. The issue contained articles on various aspects of cryptogam conservation from contributors across Australia and also New Zealand and Italy, covering fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts and cyanobacteria, along with soil crusts.

Planningandpreparationshavecommenced,andfundingbidsbeensubmitted, to enable the Forgotten Flora exhibition to tour regional Victoria in 2007. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community (continued)

Action Description

6. Improve accessibility to the unique During 2005–06 we have continued to improve accessiblity to the Collections. collections, research and expertise Atotalof27,456specimensweresentonloanandexchange,and52visitors of the Royal Botanic Gardens. (students, local and international visitors) were assisted in using the scientific As demonstrated by the following specific component of the State Botanical Collection on 207 occasions. Collections staff outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business conductedHerbariumtoursforover60people,infiveseparategroups. Plan, by: A total of 51 requests for electronic information were serviced by Curation staff and – developing and conducting the therehasbeenatotalof119,887‘hits’ontheAustralia’sVirtualHerbarium(AVH) Spring Open Day in October 2005, section of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ website. A total of 32,712 additional records whichprovidedaccess,freeof were made available through the AVH project in 2005–06. charge,to‘behindthescenes’ Ongoing data mapping of living collections has continued to provide accurate and areas and collections. up-to-date information for interpretation staff and the visiting public as part of the living plant database. This included incorporating specific grid references of all the new beds in the Australian Garden (Stage One) at RBG Cranbourne. In addition, the following beds and collections at RBG Melbourne were mapped and updated: Tennyson Indigenous Grassland, Separation Tree Bed, Vireya Bed, Ellis Stones Bed, Conifer Border, Ficus Bed, Microlaena Grassland, Mulberry Bed, Rhododendron Bed, Proteaceae Bed, Link Path Bed, Herbarium Bed, Gleditsia Bed, Cycad Bed and Camellia Bed.

RBG Cranbourne staff, in conjunction with staff from the Plant Sciences and Biodiversity Division, used the AVH database to produce innovative plant labels for theAustralianGardengivingamuchclearerindicationofthenaturaldistribution ofplants.ThiswasachievedbygeneratingmapsofAustraliawithrealdatapoints indicating where plants grow in the wild.

Over 6,000 people visited RBG Melbourne on Spring Open Day. Behind the Scenes toursprovedextremelypopular,withover200peopleparticipatingintoursofareas such as the Nursery and the Herbarium.

Increasedattendancebychildrenandtheirparentsatearly-yearsprogramsoffered at The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden exposed a new and growing sector of the community to RBG Melbourne. Another growth sector is primary and early childhood teacher student groups, who visit the Children’s Garden to examine how outdoor environments can contribute to learning.

The new Aboriginal Resource Trail for secondary students allowed exploration of Long Island, giving them new insight into indigenous plants and their signiﬁcance in Boonerwurrung and Woiwurrung culture.

The Careers Program gave secondary students the opportunity to meet staff with horticulturalandscientiﬁcexpertiseandgainanincreasedunderstandingoftherole ofbotanicgardensbyseeingwhatgoesonbehindthescenes. 37

Action Description

7. Expand interpretive signage New interpretive signs were developed for the Grey Garden at RBG Melbourne. and visitor information systems, These signs provide information on unique plant adaptations, sustainable home highlighting the life-sustaining gardening practices and garden design. In addition, seven interpretive signs importance of plants and the Royal focussing on our water conservation activities and achievements were installed Botanic Gardens’ research on plant throughout RBG Melbourne. conservation and biodiversity. A new interpretive and promotional display was installed at the RBG Melbourne As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc VisitorCentre.InterpretivesignsintheChildren’sGardencontinuetoevolvewith outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual regular updates on Kitchen Garden plantings and the water features. A new front Business Plan, by focusing on: entrance sign was developed in response to feedback from visitors and employees.

– planning and implementation of AnewinterpretivesignsystemwasdevelopedfortheAustralianGarden(Stage interpretive signage at the Australian One). This sign system is a reﬁnement of that used at RBG Melbourne and in the Garden bushlandatRBGCranbourne,andisdesignedtoallowfordiversetypesandmodes of information within the garden, including poetry, coloured images, quotations and – developing new interpretive and text. This multi-faceted approach to interpreting plants highlights the importance promotional display systems for thatplantshavetoalmosteverypartofourlives. the RBG Melbourne Visitor Centre

– implementing comprehensive interpretive signage for elements of

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Garden, including the Children’s Kitchen Garden, the Ancient Tree andthewaterfeatures.

8. In consultation with other Australian The Royal Botanic Gardens has been working with the Council of Heads of botanic gardens, investigate ways to Australian Botanic Gardens to incorporate initiatives from the international Global raise the proﬁle of botanic gardens Strategy for Plant Conservation into State and Federal biodiversity action programs. and their work in conserving Royal Botanic Gardens’ horticulturists are leading the development of a national biodiversity. Weed Risk Assessment Plan for botanic gardens. They have also prepared Weed Strategic Plans for managing weedy species in collections at RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne, and contributed to weed management and risk awareness initiatives by other agencies. Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community (continued)

38 Strategic Priority 1C: To foster and promote strategic community relationships, involvement and participation in the Royal Botanic Gardens’ work and activities

Action Description

9. Assess demand for and, if The Community Engagement Working Group has developed an over-arching strategy appropriate, develop and implement – ‘Connecting People with Plants’ – for RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne. This community outreach programs, strategy focuses on two themes – ‘People, Plants and Cultures’ and ‘Sustainable focusing on garden development and Gardening’–inresponsetotheidentiﬁed community engagement objectives, and plant-related projects. provides a framework for the delivery of themed programs for public learning (including schools education) that are directed at diverse audiences within the community. As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Business Information provided by the Volunteer Master Gardeners, plant labels, and interpretive Plan, by commencing strategic planning signs within the Australian Garden (Stage One) have a strong focus on sustainable for a Royal Botanic Gardens’ Community gardening. Engagement Program, aimed at:

– fostering activities that result in sustainable gardening practices

– improving understanding of and respect for the natural and cultural heritage of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

10. Evaluate existing relationships AspartofnewinitiativesdevelopedbytheCommunityEngagementWorking and develop mutually supportive Group, partnerships are being explored with industry and community groups to relationships with Government, deliversustainablegardeningprograms.Majornewresearchgrantshavesupported community organisations, educational collaborative projects with two universities, and a commercial partnership has been institutions, other botanic gardens and developedwithTheRoyalBotanicGardensandDomainTrust(NSW).TheRoyal relevant industry bodies, and increase BotanicGardenscontinuestobeapartoftheDepartmentofEducationandTraining’s our involvement in programs and Strategic Partnership Program, and continues to build on its sound partnership with projects with a high level of community the Catholic Education Office. involvement and participation. AVolunteerMasterGardenersprogramhasbeenestablishedattheAustralianGarden, As demonstrated by the following specific with skilled community volunteers providing expert horticultural advice to visitors. outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Business ARCUE staff have conducted collaborative projects with universities and government Plan, by commencing strategic planning institutions including The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, for a Royal Botanic Gardens Community Monash University, La Trobe University, VicRoads, and Parks Victoria. Engagement Program, aimed at: Community and educational involvement has included website development – fostering activities that result in (ARCUE’s and TreeTime’s websites); workshops, seminars, lectures, CAE-style sustainable gardening practices coursesonarangeoftopics(forexample,urbannature,indigenousplants,and – improving understanding of and wildlife in the garden) and undergraduate and post-graduate training. respectforthenaturalandcultural Provision of expert advice has included plant and fungi identification, ecological heritage of the Royal Botanic modelling and data analysis, biological survey and monitoring, GIS and GPS Gardens. techniques, revegetation/regeneration techniques, and environmental impact Furthertothis: assessments.

– implement the agreed outcomes Numerous publications have been produced, including scientiﬁc papers, in-house ofthereviewoftheFunctionsand publications, ecological management plans, environmental impact assessments, Events Business at RBG Melbourne books, mainstream media articles and pamphlets (for example, the Urban Wildlife booklet). – tenderforservicestooperate Functions and Events at RBG ConsistentwiththeoutcomesofthereviewoftheFunctionsandEventsBusiness, Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne apublictenderwasundertakensuccessfullyin2005toselectanoperatorforthe (including the Australian Garden Café). functions and events businesses at RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne, and for theAustralianGarden.BlakesFeastPtyLtdwasselectedtooperatefunctionsatboth sitesandtorunthenewcafé–theBoonerwurrungCafé–attheAustralianGarden. 39

Action Description

11. Continuetoshareinformationwith TheRoyalBotanicGardensisactivelysupportingthedevelopmentofBotanicGardens and provide mentoring support Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ), the new peak body representing Australasian to smaller and regional botanic public gardens, through staff involvement in regional and national committees, and gardens, to enhance their growth by playing a key role in the establishment and support of the Victorian Chapter of and development. BGANZandfosteringthedevelopmentofitsExecutivegroup.

As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc Staff also regularly provide expertise and technical support for Victorian regional outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business botanic gardens. Plan, by:

– fostering the development of the Victorian Regional Botanic Gardens Network.

12. Foster collaborative relationships TheRoyalBotanicGardensparticipatedinanIndigenousEducationNetworkgroup with Indigenous communities, designed to link cultural organisations that offer Indigenous education with the especially in relation to educational purpose of creating a range of programs that have integrity and that complement and visitor programs. one another.

In November 2005, RBG Cranbourne hosted its ﬁrst Indigenous community forum at the Stringybark Picnic Area in partnership with the City of Casey and the Inter-Council Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Aboriginal Consultative Committee (ICACC). This event was attended by 60 members ofthelocalIndigenouscommunity.Contactsmadeandrenewedonthisdayallowed RBG Cranbourne to develop interpretation in relation to Indigenous culture within the Australian Garden.

13. Develop and diversify our volunteer VoluntaryGuidespresented15off-sitetalkstogroups.Newequipmentwas programs, and continue to increase purchased to upgrade the content of these presentations and will involve new training volunteer opportunities where opportunities for volunteers. A new position of Volunteer Co-ordinator was created appropriate. for The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden to facilitate increased volunteer involvementinthesite’sactivities. As demonstrated by the following specific outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Herbarium volunteers underwent training to contribute to botanical projects such Business Plan, by focussing on: as Fungimap, and others focusing on sustainability. They also assisted in the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Library and with the ongoing curation of specimens in the State – the Practical Placement Program in Botanical Collection. association with Burnley College, The University of Melbourne, where RBG Melbourne hosted eight Burnley College students as part of the Practical horticulture students volunteer at Placement Program. Student placements were with the Nursery, the Children’s RBG Melbourne to achieve practical Garden, the Horticulture Branch at RBG Melbourne and in a landscape architecture experience role.Thishasbeenavaluableprogram,assistingtheorganisationtobuildcommunity relationships between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Burnley College, as a – exploring options for increasing the recognised leader in horticultural education. volunteerintakeatTheIanPotter Foundation Children’s Garden, RBG Cranbourne developed the Royal Botanic Gardens’ first Volunteer Master Gardener with new volunteers to participate program. Twenty-five volunteers were trained as part of this program, which is designed in horticultural and visitor program to create opportunities for passionate home gardeners to further their learning about activities. Australian native plants, while encouraging and supporting other members of our community to use Australian plants by sharing knowledge, stories and expertise.

RBGCranbournecontinuestoattractinterestfromlocalandoverseashorticulture students and volunteers, and a number of these received placements during 2005–06. Manymorerequestswerereceivedthancouldbeaccommodated.WithStageOneof theAustralianGardennowopen,itisanticipatedthatadditionalopportunitieswillbe provided for those interested in gaining work experience in the coming year. Our achievements Goal 1: Enhancing on-site experiences and providing programs for a broader spectrum of our community (continued)

Action Description

14. Refine the Royal Botanic Gardens The Gardens Table range of fine bone china mugs was developed in partnership branded merchandise and focus on with Maxwell & Williams. The range includes six new art nouveau style mugs and its promotion. six new botanic art mugs featuring floral images, which were sourced from archival imagesheldattheNationalHerbariumofVictoria,withsomedatingbacktothelate 1800s. The botanic images used were the Native Rose (Boronia serrulata); Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi); Native Fuchsia (Epacris longiflora); Large Christmas Bells (Blandfordia grandiflora); False Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia nonophilla); and Pink Boronia (Boronia pinnata).

The mugs are available at The Gardens Shop at both RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne, and at over 120 leading homeware stores throughout Australia, and have proved very popular.

Key performance measures

Measure Result

TotalnumberofvisitstotheRoyalBotanic A total of 1,277,000 people enjoyed a visit to either RBG Melbourne or RBG Gardens. Cranbourne during the year.

NumberofparticipantsinRoyalBotanic At RBG Melbourne, 24,400 students participated in education programs compared Gardens’ Education and Visitor/Public with 28,500 students the previous year, and 8,817 visitors participated in visitor programs (measured against previous year). programs. An additional 6,000 people attended the Spring Open Day.

At RBG Cranbourne, 7,021 students participated in education programs on-site compared with 6,814 the previous year. In addition, 957 people participated in visitor programson-sitecomparedwith1,881lastyear,andafurther5,500peopleattended off-site events, compared with 7,700 the previous year. It is expected that these ﬁgures will increase signiﬁcantly in the coming year with the opening of the Australian Garden (Stage One).

Successful appointment of Functions and In October 2005, Blakes Feast Pty Ltd was appointed to provide retail and functions Events operator(s). catering at RBG Cranbourne and selected functions catering at RBG Melbourne. The transitionintoRBGMelbourne’sfunctionsandeventsbusinessoccurredbetween November 2005 and March 2006 and the Boonerwurrung Café opened at the Australian Garden on 28 May 2006. Our achievements Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research

The Royal Botanic Gardens plays a vital role in documenting plant biodiversity in Victoria, and provides valuable support to Government in conserving threatened species and ecosystems and in the identification of plants. Working closely with Government,universitiesandotherbotanical and environmental institutions, our scientificresearchprogramsfocusonthein situ (within natural habitats) and ex situ (outside natural habitats) conservation of threatened species and the development of new and innovative conservation methodologies. Our areas of expertise range from taxonomy (the naming and classification of organisms) and systematics (the study of relationships between groups of organisms) to conservation botany, urban ecology

and horticulture. We will continue to strive for excellence in our research results and Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 will increase scientiﬁc knowledge and public awareness of our research through publications, lectures, interpretive signage and educational and visitor programs. Our achievements Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research (continued)

42 Strategic Priority 2A: To advance research in the fields of horticulture, conservation, taxonomy, systematics and urban ecology on a national and international basis

Action Description

15. Implement the Plant Sciences Master TheMasterPlanhasservedtoguidetheresearchactivitiesofthepastyear,with Plan 2005–09, which provides a clear major achievements including: institutional focus and direction for – establishing a partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to form RBG Melbourne’s research programs. the Victorian Conservation Seedbank

– deliveringacourseoflecturestothirdyearstudentsatTheUniversityof Melbourne

– converting a darkroom into a microscope laboratory

– commencing planning for an online census of Victoria’s plants

– continuing rare plant population genetic studies, integrated in situ and ex situ conservation programs, taxonomic studies, and the development of weed risk assessment procedures.

16. Implement where practicable the ARCUE continued to develop links with other Australian research groups, including recommendations of the 2004 The University of Queensland, La Trobe University, Monash University, Grifﬁth external review of ARCUE. University, University of Adelaide, University of Sydney, Charles Sturt University, Deakin University, RMIT University, VicRoads and Parks Victoria.

Theresearch/fundingcapacityofARCUEincreasedwiththecreationofanew Ecologist position and the addition of eight new PhD students, who are in receipt of Australian Post-graduate Fellowships.

ARCUE is investigating diversiﬁcation of its income sources through the introduction of part-commercialisation as identiﬁed in the Business Plan due in July 2006. ARCUE continued to apply for and receive Australian Research Council grants andresearchgrantsfromotherfundingsources.

The creation and maintenance of Biological Knowledge Bases have continued, covering:ﬂoraandfaunaspeciesandincludingﬂoradistributioninVictoria; fungi mapping; and plant community mapping according to the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs).

17. Maximise the research capacity In July 2005, the Victorian Conservation Seedbank was established in collaboration oftheRoyalBotanicGardensby with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as part of its Millennium Seed Bank project, attracting high-quality research staff and with the support of the Department of Sustainability and Environment. andstudents,andbystrengthening Herbarium staff co-supervised 25 postgraduate students from the Australian collaboration with other key scientiﬁc National University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, and academic institutions. TheUniversityofMelbourne,andtheUniversityofTasmania.

Collaborative projects also involved the Departments of Primary Industries and Sustainability and Environment, Museum Victoria, and the Cooperative Research CentreforAustralianWeedManagement.

ARCUEcontinuedtoattracthigh-qualityresearchstaffandstudents,and undertook collaborative research with several institutions (see Strategic Priority 2A.16 above). 43

Action Description

18. Expand horticultural research PlantSciencesandBiodiversity(PS&B)Divisioncontinuedworkondraftsfor programs and apply knowledge four environmentally friendly gardening handbooks for the home gardener, with through living collections and supplementary CDs for professional horticulturists and educators. The purpose exhibition gardens, with an emphasis of this sustainable gardening package is to raise awareness of the environmental on demonstrating sustainable and effects of horticultural practices, and to provide gardeners with information that innovative home gardening practices enables informed choices to be made to reduce these effects when designing, that may be applied by visitors. constructing and maintaining gardens.

PS&Bpreparedthefactsheet,Sustainable Home Gardening – Towards Water Self- sufﬁciency, for the Australian Garden (Stage One) at RBG Cranbourne.

Sustainable horticultural practices continued to be demonstrated through the development and curation of living plant collections held within RBG Melbourne, withaparticularemphasisonplantswithlowwaterrequirements,andlow weed potential.

Five themed Exhibition Gardens in the Australian Garden (Stage One) at RBGCranbourneweredesigned,constructedandopenedtovisitors.Theﬁve garden spaces are designed to encourage visitors to use Australian plants at home in environmentally sustainable ways, whilst providing inspiration for innovative and aesthetically creative garden designs. The garden displays are supported by guidedtours,VolunteerMasterGardenertalksanddemonstrations,andprinted Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 interpretive material.

19. Developresearchprojectsintothe Biodiversity research at RBG Cranbourne has focussed on the following areas: ecology and conservation of plant – surveying to establish current distribution for rare species such as Swamp Skink and animal biodiversity and the (Egernia coventryi), Naked Sun Orchid (Thelymitra circumsepta)andCorrea relationships between animals and reﬂexa var. lobata plants on the lands managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens. – ongoingsurveyinganddataanalysistotrackchangestothediversityofbirdlife

– exploring correlations between Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) activity and the population density of the European Red Fox.

This research contributed to the scientiﬁc knowledge about the RBG Cranbourne site and allowed management activities to be tailored to protect conservation values. Our achievements Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research (continued)

44 Strategic Priority 2B: To play a key role and demonstrate leadership in conserving Victoria’s endangered plant species

Action Description

20. Assist State, Territory and Federal PS&B participated in the Borya mirabilis and Pimelea spinescens recovery teams, Governmentstodevelopand and the Orchid Conservation Research Program, which supports recovery plans for implement management plans threatened orchids in Victoria. for rare and threatened species Seed and pollen viability has been assessed in Senecio behrianus to inform and ecosystems. management decisions. Results suggest that the species is self-incompatible andthesmallpopulationsizesmaybeaffectingreproduction.

PS&B also assisted in conservation efforts for the Helmeted Honeyeater byconductingaﬂorasurveyofexistingandnewlyacquiredlandthatformspart oftheHelmetedHoneyeater’sreserve.

ARCUE undertook research on native grasslands, which are an endangered ecological community under State and Federal legislation. This research provided input into the management plans and planning processes of government.

21. Develop living collections that Plansforthenewrareandthreatenedspeciesdisplaybedhavebeencompleted, promote conservation themes, including plant lists, planting design and detailed costings. The beds will be including a Rare and Threatened positionedintheareaoftheoldBulbBedonCentralLawn,andwillfeature Species Bed at RBG Melbourne, and threatened ﬂora from key Victorian bioregions. The Victorian Conservation develop related interpretation, public Seedbank,partoftheglobalMillenniumSeedBankProject,isalikelysourceof programs and volunteer opportunities. rare and threatened seed for this project. Interpretive information will be included in the development and will provide the basis for education programs, highlighting As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc the importance of biodiversity conservation and the role of botanic gardens in outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business plant conservation. Funds are currently being sought to implement the project. Plan, by:

– completing the planning and costing foraRareandThreatenedSpecies BedonCentralLawnatRBG Melbourne, concentrating on plants from south-eastern Australia

– collecting and propagating selected rare plant materials and developing associated interpretive and educational materials

– commencing landscape works and planting, subject to available funding. 45

Action Description

22. Establish a partnership with Royal InJuly2005theRoyalBotanicGardensMelbourneenteredintoapartnership Botanic Gardens, Kew, United withtheRoyalBotanicGardens,KewviaitsMillenniumSeedBankProject(MSBP). Kingdom, via its Millennium Seed RBG Melbourne’s obligation under this partnership is to supply the MSBP with Bank Project, to develop Victoria’s seedsfrom450nativeVictorianplantspeciesoverafourandahalfyearperiod,at Threatened Seed Collection for therateof100speciesperyear.Themaintarget species are Victoria’s endemic, rare thelong-termstoragebyseedof andthreatenedplantswithanaimtousesomeoftheseedscollectedtoimplement Victoria’s rare and threatened species. recovery plans and action statements.

As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc TheVictorianConservationSeedbank(VCS)worksfromtheNationalHerbariumof outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Victoria. Essential laboratory and ﬁeld equipment purchased included a 4WD vehicle Business Plan, by: for collecting trips.

– commencing a partnership with the The VCS has conducted 28 ﬁeld trips, and a shipment of 94 seed lots, including Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United severalendangeredandvulnerablespecies,wasdespatchedtoRoyalBotanic Kingdom, via its Millennium Seed Gardens, Kew in February 2006; another shipment of 79 seed lots was shipped Bank Project, to develop Victoria’s in late June 2006. Threatened Seed Collection for thelong-termstoragebyseedof Victoria’s rare and threatened species

– commencing seed collection and sourcing the required infrastructure for Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 the project.

23. Advance the integrated conservation Integrated conservation of plant biodiversity was addressed through the of plant biodiversity, with an emphasis developmentofmaterialsonsustainablegardeningforthehomegardenerandfor on management and eradication of, theVictorianeducationsystem.Inparticular,resourcematerialswerepreparedfor and education about, environmental display in the Australian Garden (Stage One) at RBG Cranbourne. weeds. Implement the Weed Strategic TheRoyalBotanicGardens’WeedWorkingGroupmonitoredprogressoftheWeed Plan and work with appropriate Strategic Plan and worked with the Weed Council of Australia and Biosecurity agencies to develop and implement Australiainthedevelopmentofanupdatednationalweedstrategyandreview a comprehensive Weed Risk ofpermittedplantentries.AWeedRiskAssessmentProcedurewastestedby Assessment Procedure. Australia’s capital city botanic gardens and will be submitted, with suggestions for As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc improvement, to the Australian Weed Management Cooperative Research Centre for outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business comment. Plan, by:

– ﬁnalising the Royal Botanic Gardens Weed Risk Assessment Procedure andManagementPlan(WRAPM). Our achievements Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research (continued)

Action Description

24. Work closely with botanic gardens AnAustralianBotanicGardensWeedNetworkWorkshopwasheldinMelbournein and State, Territory and Federal July2005andtheprocessofdevelopingaWeedRiskAssessmentProcedureand Governments to contribute to Management Plan (WRAPM) together with other botanic gardens was endorsed by Australia’s achievement of the targets theCouncilofHeadsofAustralianBotanicGardensinOctober2005.TheWRAPM setoutintheGlobalStrategyfor is in the final stages of testing and improvement before introduction. Plant Conservation, a strategy arising TheLandManagementandInfrastructure Branch at RBG Cranbourne continued from the International Convention on its focus on weed management as one of the key threats to biodiversity. Areas for Biological Diversity. management have included non-indigenous collections, buffer zones between As demonstrated by the following specific existing collections and remnant bushland, and recently burnt sites. outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Assessment of the weedy characteristics of Australian Garden plants occurred Business Plan, by: through a bird-dispersed seed-monitoring program. This program is a key – finalising the Royal Botanic Gardens component in the process for determining whether Australian Garden plants Weed Risk Assessment Procedure may pose a threat to the biodiversity of the surrounding bushland and identifying and Management Plan (WRAPM) whether any should be considered for removal.

– conducting a workshop with representativesofregionaland major interstate botanic gardens and receiving endorsement of WRAPM

– implementing the relevant procedures at RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne. 47 Strategic Priority 2C: To make accessible to a wider audience the Royal Botanic Gardens’ valuable contributions to plant biodiversity research and plant conservation

Action Description

25. Increase collaboration with key A new collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne academic and scientific institutions, Museum,partofMuseumVictoria,hasenabledtheRoyalBotanicGardenstouse community groups, land managers, microsatellites, a molecular population genetic technique, which has not been industrybodiesandalllevelsof possible with current Royal Botanic Gardens facilities. Government, in order to raise Discussions commenced between the Department of Sustainability and awareness of the Royal Botanic Environment,MonashUniversityandtheRoyalBotanicGardensforaproposalto Gardens’ scientific and conservation apply genetic techniques to the conservation of tree-ferns and to ensure that the programs. viability of natural populations is not compromised by gene flow from commercial plantations.

AproposalhasbeendevelopedincollaborationwithAlcoaAustraliaandThe University of Melbourne to improve the conservation management of the rare Grevillea infecunda.

ARCUEstaffandstudentsattendedandpresentedpapersatseveralinternational and national conferences including: the 2005 International Conference on Ecology andTransportation(SanDiego,USA);Meaning and Design of Nature for the Urban Built Environment, at Lincoln University (New Zealand); British Ecological Society Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Annual General Meeting, University of Hertfordshire (United Kingdom); Ecological Society of Australia conference (Queensland). Staff also published 20 scientiﬁc papers and one conference proceeding.

ARCUE continued to collaborate with other organisations including ConnectEast, the Ecological Society of Australia, Paciﬁc Hydro, the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage, and CSIRO.

26. Assess the feasibility of establishing Thesuccessfultenderer,BDOCharteredAccountants&Advisers,undertook a Royal Botanic Gardens’ meetings with ARCUE staff and stakeholders during the preparation of a Business consultancy, initially focusing on Plan for ARCUE’s part-commercialisation. ARCUE’sexpertise,toprovide The Business Plan recognises that ARCUE is uniquely positioned to develop expert conservation, scientiﬁc commercial activity on education and biodiversity planning. It also highlights and horticultural advice and other theneedtoensurethatthequalityofARCUEresearchisnotreducedbyany services. Prepare a detailed Business commercial activity. Plan outlining the scope of the consultancy.

As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Business Plan, by:

– in consultation with staff, assessing the feasibility of establishing a Royal Botanic Gardens consultancy, initially focusing on ARCUE’s expertise, to provide expert conservation, scientiﬁc and horticultural advice and other services

– preparing a detailed business plan outlining the scope of the consultancy, including the nature and extent of services to be offered. Our achievements Goal 2: Increasing the vigour and strengthening the focus and utilisation of scientific research (continued)

Action Description

27. Plan,developandseekfundingfor Database structures have been reviewed and new software installed in preparation an electronic flora product, featuring for the online delivery of information to and from the Australia’s Virtual Herbarium an online Census of Vascular Plants (AVH) database, and a future electronic flora product. of Victoria and providing plant Severalupgradeshaveoccurredtoreplaceequipmentdesignatedasnearing, descriptions, distributions, images or at, the ‘end-of-life’, including: and the conservation status of Victorian plants. – installation of five servers, providing increased data storage and supporting additional services that have been implemented to cope with the expansion As demonstrated by the following specific of the computer network (for example, Anti-Spyware/Malware software, outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business a telephone monitoring system, and upgraded backup system) Plan, by: – installation of Network Attached Storage at RBG Cranbourne to increase the – commencing the first stage of organisation’s capacity for electronic data storage the upgrade of servers and other computer network equipment, to – review of internal switch infrastructure, completed in April 2006, to ensure ensure the effective functioning of the efficientdatatransferanddataaccessincludingtheremovalofdata Royal Botanic Gardens’ operations ‘bottlenecks’ as more data are transferred across the network and the successful communication – the upgrade of the MELISR (Melbourne Information System Register) server and dissemination of its plant due to equipment failure. biodiversity research outcomes.

Key performance measures

Measure Result

Number of threatened native species Thereare20nativespeciesorcommunitiesforwhichconservationmeasuresare and communities for which specifically in place. targeted conservation measures are in At RBG Melbourne, these include the presumed extinct Wimmera Rice-flower place. (Pimelea spinescens subsp. pubiflora),notseensince1901,butrediscovered by Herbarium botanists in 2005.

AtRBGCranbournethesespeciesinclude:SouthernBrownBandicoot(Isoodon obesulus); Swamp Skink (Egernia coventryi); Naked Sun Orchid (Thelymitra circumsepta);andCorrea(Correa reﬂexa var. lobata).

Numberofspeciesforwhichseedhas Since commencing operation in July 2005 the Victorian Conservation Seedbank been collected as part of the Millennium has collected seed from about 245 native Victorian plant species. Approximately Seed Bank Project. 60 of these collections are of a smaller size than required, and will need to be supplemented in future collecting seasons. A total of 173 seed lots have been despatchedtoRoyalBotanicGardens,Kewin2006. Our achievements Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources

As custodians of lands that are rich in plant and animal life, beauty and heritage, and of the State Botanical Collection – an irreplaceable collection of dried plants, botanical artwork, literature and other material – we have a strong mandate for responsible and sustainable management. We will continue to manage and develop our landscapes carefully, enhance and improve our assets, and ensure that we carry out our operations with minimal impact on the environment. We are committed to effective and sustainable management of the Royal Botanic Gardens and its assets and resources. We will continue to focus on strategic and effective fundraising to ensure that, combined with State Government support, we have sufﬁcient capitaltoprotectandmaintainourassets. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Our achievements Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources (continued)

50 Strategic Priority 3A: To manage our assets and resources effectively so that they are maintained and developed for future generations

Action Description

28. Continue to manage RBG Maintenance and prioritised development of living plant collections held within Melbourne’s botanical, horticultural the RBG Melbourne landscape continued. Large-scale replanting was carried out and landscape resources responsibly following a severe storm in 2005. Review of the 1997 RBG Melbourne Masterplan and to the highest curatorial commenced, with a cross-divisional working group formed to guide its progress. standards,soastoconservetheir The Living Collections Management Plan (previously Living Collections Policy) was biodiversity, horticultural and heritage reviewed and completed. Living collection management plans have been updated values.Reviewandrevisethe1997 and, where appropriate, new directions set. The RBG Melbourne Masterplan review RBG Melbourne Masterplan and isexpectedtobecompletedin2006–07.Commencementofpreparationofanew commence preparing a new RBG RBGCranbourneMasterplanwasdeferredduetoworkloadissuesassociatedwith Cranbourne Masterplan, ensuring the thecompletionoftheAustralianGarden(StageOne). integration of the Australian Garden TheActivityShelterandTreeTower,thetworemainingstructuresinTheIanPotter with the rest of the site. Foundation Children’s Garden, were completed in 2005. Landscape restoration in As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc the vicinity of both structures was carried out immediately after construction. Six outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual advanced specimens of Tristaniopsis laurina were planted around the Tree Tower Business Plan, by completing the review withaviewtograftingbranchesastheyestablishtoformacover,allowingchildren ofthe1997RBGMelbourneMasterplan, the feeling of being in a fortress. This structure now provides children with an with a focus on: elevatedvantagepointfromwhichtoviewtheChildren’sGarden.

– updating the status of completed TheActivityShelterwasdesignedtoallowrainwaterrunoffontogardenbeds, landscape developments minimising the need for regular irrigation in this area.

– reviewing the Living Collections Policy, BothstructuresnowformanintegralfeatureofthelandscapeintheChildren’s as referred to in the Masterplan Garden and are very popular areas for play and formal education programs.

– reviewing the priorities for Investigations were carried out into future options for storage of the scientiﬁc development of the living collections collections within the National Herbarium. As a result, in the short-term, the spacevacatedattheconclusionoftheAustralia’sVirtualHerbarium(AVH)project – reviewing the summary of capital will be reallocated to specimen storage. As a long-term solution, the Royal works Botanic Gardens joined other cultural institutions in seeking funding support – updating the major issues and future from the State Government for future storage of cultural collections. directions identiﬁed in the Masterplan.

Furthertothis:

– Complete construction of the two remaining built features in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, and implement associated landscape modiﬁcations

– As part of a continuing assessment of replacement requirements for heritage assets, investigate options for replacement storage for components of the State Botanical Collection, ensuring that best practice curatorial standards are met to enhance accessibility for future generations. 51

Action Description

29. Complete and open the first 11 Thefirst11hectaresoftheAustralianGardenwerecompletedasscheduledand hectares (Stage One) of the Australian withinavailablebudget,andwereopenedbythePremier,theHonSteveBracks Garden. MP, on Sunday, 28 May 2006. Around 10,000 visitors enjoyed the opening day celebrations. As demonstrated by the following specific outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Royal Botanic Gardens employees worked with local residents and businesses, local Business Plan, by: government and the tourism industry, via participation on committees and working groups, the conduct of familiarisation tours and direct liaison, to raise awareness – completing and opening the first 11 about the Australian Garden project and its opening. hectares (Stage One) of the Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne, including A total of $5.4 million in non-government funds was raised for the Australian Garden the Visitor Centre (Stage One) by the Development Branch in collaboration with the Australian Garden Fundraising Committee. – working with the community to raise awareness and appreciation of RBG ThemarketingandcommunicationsplanfortheAustralianGardenwassuccessfully Cranbourne as a world-class tourism implemented. Excellent media coverage was gained before opening, resulting in the destination. very positive response on opening day.

The Australian Garden has been promoted by Tourism Victoria, and through the Tourism Victoria website, www.visitvictoria.com.au. Advertisements have also been included in the Ofﬁcial Visitors’ Guide (Destination Melbourne), www.seeaustralia.com

(Tourism Australia), Scoop Traveller (June to December 2006), and local newspapers Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 in Cranbourne and adjoining regions.

Information Services Branch oversaw the installation of information technology at the new Visitor Centre to support the opening of the Australian Garden (Stage One), including: the provision of a digital Orthophoto (aerial photo that can be used for mapping purposes as an overlay); connection and setup of all computer equipment, phones,printers,andEFTPOSfacilities;andthein-housedevelopmentofanew bookingsystem(PhaseI)todealwithadvancebookingsforPublicProgramsat RBG Cranbourne.

30. Commence strategic planning and Strategic planning for Stage Two of the Australian Garden has commenced with secure funding for Stage Two of preparation of the draft Business Case supporting the submission to Government the Australian Garden and position for capital funding. The Business Case will be finalised and submitted in 2006–07. ourselves to achieve international TheconceptmasterplanforStageTwowasreviewedbytheRoyalBotanicGardens recognition of the Australian Garden. and the landscape designers, Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Paul Thompson, to ensure current ecological, cultural and economic requirements were well defined. To support the preparation of the capital funding submission for Stage Two, several documents were developed, including the draft business case, a financial and economicanalysis,projectcostings,andastudyoftheuseandnon-usebenefits. Inaddition,designconceptsfortheFamilyRecreationZone,theStageTwoVisitor Centre and the RBG Cranbourne Works Depot have been developed.

Progress has been made on securing signiﬁcant support from philanthropic and individual donors for Stage Two. Our achievements Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources (continued)

Action Description

31. Plan,designandseekfundingtore- Theﬁnaldonationswerereceivedin2005–06tosupportthedevelopmentofthe develop the historic reservoir precinct landscape designs for this project. Design development will commence in early at RBG Melbourne. 2006–07.

32. Assessoptionstore-developsections Initial brieﬁng for this area of development was completed, with general landscape oftheA-GateandTerraceTearooms improvements identiﬁed and discussions held with Delaware North Companies precinct at RBG Melbourne in Australia, lessee of the Terrace Tearooms. A Gate lodge is scheduled for demolition collaboration with stakeholders. in mid-2006.

33. Secure funding to maintain and Five new toilets have been constructed on suitably located sites across RBG improve Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne to meet visitor needs, including disabled and parenting facilities. There buildings and capital infrastructure, has been a strong focus on creating elegant buildings, while being safe, serviceable in accordance with Government anddurable.WorkhascommencedonanexistingtoiletblockintheZelkovaBed standards and visitor expectations. which will be completely renovated. In addition to this, the existing public toilet at the Implement asset management Children’s Garden end of the Visitor Centre was extended, with facilities designed strategies at both sites. tocaterforthelargenumbersvisitingTheIanPotterFoundationChildren’sGarden. Landscape plans to complement the buildings and suit the specific garden locations As demonstrated by the following specific were developed and work is now under way. Demolition of decommissioned toilet outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual blocks will take place in mid-2006. Business Plan, by: Thefixedassetmodule,whichisintegratedintotheGeneralLedger,hasbeen – demolishing the existing public toilets implemented.Athree-yearcapitalassetmanagementandmaintenanceplanwill at RBG Melbourne and upgrading be developed in 2006–07. others as required.

– constructing a series of public toilets with associated infrastructure at selected sites throughout RBG Melbourne, and reinstating landscapes around construction sites. 53 Strategic Priority 3B: To employ the highest standards of curatorial practice in maintaining and enhancing the State Botanical Collection

Action Description

34. Complete databasing the Australian The Australia’s Virtual Herbarium (AVH) project has been very successfully component of the State Botanical completed,andhasmetallitsnationalprioritytargets.Achievementsinclude: Collection in keeping with the – databasing 446,041 specimens and mounting, by volunteers, an estimated objectives of the Australia’s Virtual 74,620 Australian specimens during the life of the project Herbarium project, and deliver the Australia’s Virtual Herbarium project – databasing more than 13,000 Australian Type specimens for 157 vascular, on time and in accordance with the 36 fern and 13 hepatic families deﬁned project objectives. – editing and curating the Australian fungi collection to current standards As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc – editing and curating Australian lichens, hepatics and the R.A. Bastow Australian outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual bryophyte collection to current standards Business Plan, by: – databasing and incorporating into the State Botanical Collection the – completing databasing the Australian J.G. & M.H. Simmons Acacia collection. specimens in the State Botanical CollectionbyJuly2006aspart Dataqualityinthedatabasewascheckedandmaintainedinaccordancewith of Australia’s Virtual Herbarium current standards.

(AVH) Project Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 The electronic census of vascular plant names used in the State Botanical Collection – ensuring continuation of the current was updated, and algal and fungal families were incorporated into the census. rate of work, and

– ensuring that specimen data are entered accurately and efﬁciently in the database.

35. Continue to conserve and enhance Significantprogresshasbeenmadetowardstheconservationofthescientific the collections of the National collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, including mounting the Victorian Reference Herbarium of Victoria and the Set, and a proportion of the Horticultural Reference Collection; mounting foreign Royal Botanic Gardens Library. material from nine vascular families; and making progress with curating the R.A. Bastow algae and O.W. Sonder lichen collections. As demonstrated by the following specific outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Development and implementation of measures to improve the Integrated Pest Business Plan, by: Management program continued. Environmental conditions and insect activity were monitored,andthefreezingofbatchesofspecimensatminus23degreescelsius – continuing the mounting of the foreign for seven days at a time continued. A trial utilising insect traps was also implemented plant specimens in the State Botanical tomonitorinsectactivity.Therecordingofaccurateandinformativedataabout Collection, and environmental conditions and insect pests will enable the development of effective – developing and implementing a strategies for safeguarding the Collections. consistent and responsive system 27,546specimensweresentonloanorexchange,and18,227specimensmounted. for monitoring pest insects within the State Botanical Collection. 3,081items(books,pamphletsandoriginalartworks)wereaddedtotheLibrary collections, plus 1,670 journal issues.

2,953 records were added to the Library’s catalogue database, including original artwork for the Flora of Victoria, algal books donated by Bill Woelkerling, horticultural booksdonatedbythefamilyofthelateMattFlinn,andrecordsforarticlesin Australian herbarium journals. 2,496 accession records were updated.

Cataloguingof3,260itemsoforiginalartworkintheLibrarywascompleted. Our achievements Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources (continued)

Action Description

36. Commence mounting and databasing Foreign material from nine vascular families – Menispermaceae, Coriariaceae, the foreign plant specimens in the Sabiaceae, Papaveraceae, Fumariaceae, Eupteleaceae, Hamamelidaceae, State Botanical Collection. Daphniphyllaceae and Ulmaceae – was mounted. Mounting of the family Ranunculaceae is currently in progress as well as the databasing of foreign lichens. 3,012specimenshavebeenaddedtothedatabase. 55 Strategic Priority 3C: To continue to reduce the impact of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ activities and operations on the environment

Action Description

37. Maintain and enhance sustainability The Royal Botanic Gardens continued to implement Environmentally Sustainable practices to inﬂuence on-site Design (ESD) principles and sustainability practices in all operations and new operations, use of resources and developments, including the design and construction of new public toilet facilities, management practices at the Royal use of biological controls for pests and diseases, and adoption of electric utility Botanic Gardens. vehicles to replace petrol-driven alternatives. These activities were guided, where relevant,bytheRBG Policy for the Conservation of Plant Biodiversity.

38. Apply ecologically sustainable ThenewVisitorCentreatRBGCranbournehasbeendesignedandbuiltwitha development guidelines to the strong focus on ESD principles. This includes an innovative cooling system that materials, design, implementation and incorporates the cooling of air via circulation over extensive rock stores below management of all works undertaken the building, double-glazing, re-use of storm water, and use of recycled timbers. bytheRoyalBotanicGardensandits ESD principles were also applied in building works at the RBG Melbourne site, contractors. including the design and construction of the new public toilet facilities. As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc outcome in the 2005–06 Annual Business Plan, by: Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 – developing ecologically sustainable development guidelines for use in Royal Botanic Gardens’ operations and projects.

39. Develop and implement a medium- Development of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Water Management Plan was deferred term Water Management Plan, duetolackofappropriateresources.Intheinterim,awaterauditwascarriedout encompassing all aspects of water with the support of South East Water, and measures to reduce domestic water across the RBG Melbourne and RBG ﬂow were implemented. Cranbourne sites.

As demonstrated by the following speciﬁc outcomes in the 2005–06 Annual Business Plan, by:

– developing a medium-term Water Management Plan, encompassing all aspects of water across the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites and including strategies for long-term management of the RBG Melbourne lake environment

– continuing the partnership with Monash University Water Studies Centre regarding studies of lake water quality at RBG Melbourne, to build knowledge about lake system characteristics. Our achievements Goal 3: Delivering effective and sustainable management of landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources (continued)

56 Key performance measures

Measure Result

Completion of major projects on time, Major construction projects completed in 2005–06 (Australian Garden [Stage One], withinbudgetandinaccordancewith RBG Cranbourne Visitor Centre, and public toilets at RBG Melbourne) were completed principles of ecologically sustainable intheexpectedtimeframe,withinallocatedbudgetsandinaccordancewith development. environmentally sustainable design principles.

Number of specimens added to the Atotalof32,712plantspecimenswereaddedtotheAVHdatabase. AVH database

Number of specimens mounted from A total of 18,227 specimens were mounted from the State Botanical Collection. the State Botanical Collection 5 Our supporters

57 Generous financial support 58

Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria 59

Director’s Circle 60

Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Inc. 61

Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Inc. 62

Maud Gibson Trust 63

Plant Craft Cottage 64

Herbarium Volunteers 65 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Volunteers

– RBG Cranbourne 66 – RBG Melbourne 67

Honorary Associates 68

Organisations that have provided research grants 69 Generous financial support

58 The Royal Botanic Gardens sincerely thanks the businesses, community groups, individuals, trusts and foundations that generously supported its work in 2005–06.

This support has enabled the Mountain Ash Community organisation to achieve a number of Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Alcoa of Australia Ltd positive outcomes. Among these are: The Hugh Williamson Foundation Aussie Blue Mussels the development of new environmental Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Andersen Legal education and visitor experiences; the John Armstrong completion of the final two structures Acacia Philip and Vivien Brass in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Cybec Foundation Mr Franz Doos Garden, which has now been recognised Deutsche Bank Helen M Ferguson with two major awards; the creation FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens andcompletionofStageOneofthe Cranbourne Inc. Friends of Warrandyte State Park innovative Australian Garden at RBG Mrs Jean Hadges John and Norma Gaidzkar Cranbourne; continuing assistance with Brian Little Lesley Griffin the preservation of the State Botanical Mr Martyn and Mrs Louise Myer Shirley Hallows Collection; continued support of the Roger and Natalie Peate Susan Hayes National Herbarium of Victoria’s scientific DrICRossandMrsMSRossAM Hillview Quarries Pty Ltd research and conservation programs; Royal Botanic Gardens’ Director’s Circle Victor Kavals and building upon ARCUE’s growing The William Buckland Foundation Maddocks Lawyers bodyofresearch. Thyne Reid Foundation May Consulting This list records donations to the Royal Anonymous (1) Teresa Merrigan BotanicGardensof$1,000andover Suzanne Morgan Banksia in the 2005–06 financial year. Donors Newmont USA Ltd arecategorisedaccordingtodonations Australian Daisy Study Group Norman Wettenhall Foundation received in this financial year and previous BlueScope Water Onbass Foundation donations since 2001. Bosisto’s John Prescott AC and Jennifer Prescott John and Janet Calvert-Jones Government Mrs Margaret Ricardo Sir Roderick Carnegie AC Ken Roberts Arts Victoria &LadyCarnegie Mrs Lisa Robertson City of Casey ELCO Solutions Pty Ltd John and Marion Simmons Community Support Fund Fiskars (Aust.) Pty Ltd SBI Cranbourne Quarries Department of Education and Training Kirsty Hamilton and Harrison Young The late Robert Simpson Department of Environment and Heritage Zara M Kimpton Alex Smart Department of Sustainability Melbourne’s Child Henriette Strain and Environment Graeme Morgan Lisa Tracey Museums Australia Post Office Farm Nursery Urban Initiatives Sustainability Victoria Reece Australia Limited Sofia Zitron Benefactor Brian Snape AM and Diana Snape Anonymous (1) FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens, South East Water Melbourne Inc. Trust Company of Australia The Baker Foundation Anonymous (2) Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria

The Foundation was established in Various initiatives are utilised to attract 2001 to receive gifts from the public unrestricted gifts to the Foundation and to ensure that they are used to build including the Director’s Circle and the a secure ﬁnancial base for the Royal Sponsor a Seat Program in the gardens Botanic Gardens. All bequests and other at both RBG Melbourne and RBG donations made to the Foundation are Cranbourne. Donations, Pledges, In invested,andtheincomegenerated Memoriams and Bequests are invited is made available to the Royal Botanic from people who wish to invest in the Gardens to utilise wherever the funds can future of the Royal Botanic Gardens,

be most usefully applied. The Foundation rather than to support a speciﬁc project. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 hasbeenendorsedasanincometax The Foundation wishes to acknowledge exempt charitable entity and as a tax the generous support of the following deductible gift recipient under the people in the 2005–06 ﬁnancial year: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Anonymous (1) Dr Jan Schapper Mr Adrian Turley Mr Frank van Straten OAM Mr J G Donaldson AO Mrs Rosemary Simpson Mr and Mrs John Webb Director’s Circle

60 The Director’s Circle is an initiative to attract annual, unrestricted gifts to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and to broaden the community’s understanding of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ activities. Thank you to the following supporters for their vision and generosity.

Patron Banksia David and Trudy Kennedy Dr Philip Moors David and Judith Adam Craig and Connie Kimberley Sir David Akers-Jones Zara M. Kimpton Honorary supporters Logan and Jennifer Armstrong Mr and Mrs A D Lapthorne Mr Lindsay and Mrs Paula Fox and family Dorothy Baker Tom & Marianne Latham Acacia Lionel and Elaine Berkowitz Michael and Diana Lempriere Tony Berger and Marita Quinn Marc Besen AO and Eva Besen AO Bill and Virginia Leslie Janet Calvert-Jones Philip and Vivien Brass PeterLovellandMichaelJan John Calvert-Jones Sally Browne Mr Frank Mahlab and Mrs Eve Mahlab AO LeonandJudithGorr Tony and Jaki Bryant Jeff and Annabelle Marvin Kirsty Hamilton and Harrison Young Peter and Ivanka Canet Mayne Group Limited Michael and Susie Hamson Elaine Canty & Roy Masters Anne and Edward Miller Ken and Jill Harrison Alex and Elizabeth Chernov Ross and Judith Milne-Pott Graeme and Judy Holt Caroline and Philip Cornish Dr Jens and Mrs Linde Mohr Sheryl and Frank Hook WDTCowan Drs Philip and Debbie Moors Walter Jona AM and Alwynne Jona OAM Margaret F Darling AM Mr N & Mrs D Morgan Peter Jopling QC Bruce and Kerry Echberg Mrs Suzanne Morgan David and Deborah Lauritz Brendan and Jan Egan The Sarah and Baillieu Myer Limb Family Foundation Rodger Elliot AM and Mrs Gwen Elliot AM Family Foundation Lynton and Susan Morgan Dr Helen M Ferguson George Pappas Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE GrantandPennyFowler Jillian Pappas Richard Oliver Gandel Foundation T&CPark John Prescott AC and Jennifer Prescott Charles and Cornelia Goode R&LPearce–Multicrop(Aust)P/L DrICRossandMrsMSRossAM Philip and Louise Goodman Lady Potter AC PeterandBarbaraShearer John and Rosemary Gough John and Barbara Ralph Lady Southey Robert and Jan Green Mark and Carolyn Rayner Anonymous (2) Lesley Grifﬁn DrSM&MrsMRRichards Andrew and Margaret Grummet Ken & Gail Roche Sarah Guest Mrs Caroline Searby Cathy Hains Mr Richard Searby QC Mrs Maria Jo Herpe Mrs Anita Simon Dorothy and Ian Hicks Rosemary Simpson Mr Douglas and Mrs Patricia Hocking Mr Jack Smorgon AM Darvell Hutchinson AM Brian Snape AM and Diana Snape Anne and John Wyld Anonymous (3) Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Inc.

61 Membership continues to grow with the total now exceeding 500 individual members.

During 2005-06, the Cranbourne Friends Growing Friends continues to produce purchased a relocatable building, now plants for use in Royal Botanic Gardens’ named the Eucalyptus Room, which has education activities, local revegetation provided increased opportunity for group projectsandforsaletothepublicat activities and eased accommodation RBG Cranbourne. problems at RBG Cranbourne. The Botanical Illustrators met regularly, General activities include lectures, resulting in the production of high-quality discovery days and the Annual Dinner works, many depicting local plants. Some whichfeaturesaprominentspeaker. of these works will become part of the State Botanical Collection. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 The Press Gang continued the important project of collecting, identifying, pressing The Botanical Fabricators group and mounting the plants that occur at was formed and now meet regularly, RBG Cranbourne. This long-term project producing a diverse range of fabric- has accelerated with the development based items. of skills and improvement of facilities Funds raised by the Friends and in-kind for the group. donations contributed to the development of RBG Cranbourne. Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Inc.

62 During 2005–06, the Melbourne Friends increased their membership numbers. Once again, this was largely due to the efforts of their hardworking volunteers.

Grants to the Royal Botanic Gardens The Botanical Illustrators mounted an Melbourne totalled $41,500 and exhibition of original botanical paintings comprised $35,000 to the Water Works, oftheOaksoftheRoyalBotanicGardens Water Wise project for the irrigation of Melbourne. Prints were sold and the theVireyaBedand$6,500asageneral- paintings were donated to the Friends purpose grant. by the artists and are stored in the Herbarium. The Friends conducted classes in Botanical Illustration for four terms during An interesting program of lectures, tours theyearwithanaverageof73students and walks was presented to Members perterm,plussuccessful specialist and the general public. workshops over the summer period. During the year, the Friends nominated The Growing Friends held two successful amemberoftheRoyalBotanicGardens’ plant sales to the general public, raising staff for the Australian Natural History $52,405. Medallion that is awarded annually by the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. Maud Gibson Trust

63 The Maud Gibson Trust was established in 1945 with a donation from Miss Maud Gibson for the maintenance, development, or otherwise for the benefit of the Botanic Gardens. The Trust facilitated the initial purchase of land to establish RBG Cranbourne and has continued to take an influential role in the development of that site.

During 2005–06 the Trust maintained The Trust’s central role in RBG growth in its capital base by reinvesting Cranbourne’s development, especially in dividends and donations, while also regard to its long-term vision of creating supporting two scientific projects. a botanic garden devoted to Australian The Trust made its Year Two grant plants, was recognised in speeches at of $15,000 for RBG Melbourne’s the official opening of the first stage of the contributionastheIndustryPartner Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne by in an ARC Linkage grant for research the Victorian Premier on 28 May 2006. entitled ‘Resolving the classification

and evolutionary history of the eucalypts’. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 This is a three-year joint project with The University of Melbourne and the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, and it is producing important new data. The Trust completeditsgrantof$24,950forthe conversionofadarkroomintheNational Herbarium to a plant sciences laboratory. Plant Craft Cottage

64 The Plant Craft Cottage has had a busy time leading up to its 25th year of existence.

Consistingentirelyofvolunteers,the The children’s holiday programs are as Groups have continued to improve their popular as ever, and parents and children skills in the various crafts practised at are very enthusiastic to participate in these the Cottage. The Basketry Group was economical activities three times a year. invited to conduct workshops and assist In August 2005, the amount of $5,000 with the presentation during the Galgi- was offered to RBG Melbourne and ngarrick Yirranboi Tree Exhibition in to that amount has now been added 2005.Speakershavebeenprovidedfor another$5,000,tomakeacombined community groups and demonstrators for 2005 and 2006 grant of $10,000. the Craft & Quilt Show and special open days within RBG Melbourne. Herbarium Volunteers

65 Throughout 2005–06 the Herbarium Volunteers once again contributed significantly to the work of the Herbarium.

Thediverseskillsofthevolunteerswere The following volunteers contributed to Elizabeth Howcroft used in a range of conservation and theworkoftheHerbariumin2005–06: Heather Hudson curatorial work, which included: Marina Albert Meran Jennings – German-English translation, Isobel Allan Lesley Jones proofreading, and the biographical Rosemary Anderson Geoffrey Lay registerfortheMueller Helen Aston Geoffrey Le Page Correspondence project Sally Barry Mathew Looby – Library databases of the Horticultural Olga Bartak Jennifer Lund Slide Collection Margaret Berlin Herbert Meier Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Jenepher Beudel Lisa Minchin – databasing records and administration Sally Bufe Brian Monger for the Fungimap project Merell Browne Pauline Morrison – researching facts and ﬁgures John Carpenter Tom Morton for the Environmentally Friendly Ian Clarke Margaret Murfett Garden Project Lawrence Cohn Karen Muscat – completing curation of the Wendy Cook Gillian Newnham Australian Algae Collection Margaret Corrick Graham Patterson – mounting recently collected Thomas Darragh Jane Petch specimens for the State Botanical Heather Eather Diana Plant Collection, including the Victorian Alwynne Fairweather Elizabeth Pollard Reference Set and nine vascular Radinka Faranov Kath Ralston families of the Foreign Collection Francis Faul Elizabeth Read – contributing to the AVH Project by Katherine Flynn Jennifer Ross adding 15,620 curated specimens Nola Foster Rosamund Shepherd to the State Botanical Collection, John Godfrey Michael Stewart and 3,012 specimens to the Margaret Gordon Catherine Taylor MELISR database Mary Gregory Elizabeth Turnbull – continuing curation of the Sonder Patricia Grey Jennie Vaughan lichen collection Pat Grodski Nancy Wallace – contributingmorethan4,000hours Christine Harris Ann Walsham of work to the Collections Branch. Mary Hills Betty Whitehand Marjorie Home Steven Wilkinson Roderick Home Merron Williams Volunteers

RBG Cranbourne volunteers Volunteer Master Gardeners Faye Hobby (February 2006 – continuing) Leah Kelly From January to April 2006, RBG (July2005–continuing) Cranbourne recruited and trained Dr Eleanor Hodges (February 2006 – continuing) Phillipa Lloyd 25 dedicated and passionate home Dorothy Kay (27February–June2006) gardeners to become Australian Garden (February 2006 – continuing) Carol McDonald Volunteer Master Gardeners (VMGs). (July2005–June2006) Helen Kennedy The development of this program was (February 2006 – continuing) Edward Newitt Daniel (July2005–continuing) made possible through a grant from The Amanda Keely Hugh Williamson Foundation. The training (February 2006 – continuing) Laurie Stephens (3 October 2005 – continuing) of the Volunteer Master Gardeners was Marie Kehoe also supported through a partnership (February 2006 – continuing) Training&EmploymentServicesAustralia – Work for the Dole Programs (x2) with Sustainable Gardening Australia. Tanya Longmore (February 2006 – continuing) Volunteer Master Gardeners are stationed Research volunteer Susan MacKintosh within the Australian Garden (Stage (February 2006 – continuing) Carol Ferguson One)andareavailabletoassistvisitors (July2005–February2006) Norman McLeod with questions about growing Australian (February 2006 – continuing) Familiarisation tour volunteers plants at home. The following volunteers Jim Manning became the ﬁrst VMGs: Volunteer Familiarisation Tour Guides (February 2006 – continuing) were recruited and trained to assist in John Armstrong Adele Plummer (February 2006 – continuing) conducting tours to raise awareness of (February 2006 – continuing) the Australian Garden. Trevor Blake Verena Reich (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) Robin Allison (July 2005 – continuing) Margaret Brookes Charles Saffroy Sue Keon-Cohen (July 2005 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) SueGalbally(July2005–continuing) Ruth Caple Laurie Stephens DavidKaleski(July2005–June2006) (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) Max Ofﬁcer (July 2005 – continuing) Margaret Clarke Georgina Till Alex Smart (July 2005 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) John Webb (July 2005 – continuing) Margaret Cromb Clare Vivian (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) PatWebb(July2005–continuing) Elaine Cuthbertson Jim Williams Snr. (February 2006 – continuing) (February 2006 – continuing) Jane Fosterling (February 2006 – continuing) 67

RBG Melbourne volunteers Margaret Hilditch The Ian Potter Foundation Geoffrey Kneebone – Gate Lodge Marlies Johnson Children’s Garden volunteers – (continuing) John Johnson Ten Children’s Garden volunteers Growing Friends Helen Johnston contributed approximately 936 hours – (continuing) Terri Kay to RBG Melbourne during 2005–06: Iris Society of Victoria Scott Kerr – (continuing) Prue Clark Ann Knowles Leanora Levy RBG Melbourne Voluntary Guides Jenny Lang Rachel Muir Margaret Mann Anna Priester

Atotalof46VoluntaryGuides Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 contributed 4,009 voluntary hours Di McGain Kate Siddons to RBG Melbourne during 2005–06: Janet Morgan Margaret Smith Gwen Adams Alison Nash Margaret Spicer Jenny Armstrong Tom Neales Diane Tennant Olga Bartak Jenny Nicholas Maggie Troup Lorraine Brock John Nicholas Max Watson Jasmine Brunner Donna Osbourne Sheila Butler David Plant Pamela Carder Margaret Polmear Susan Chandler Ian Polmear Syd Crawcour Lorraine Poole Cynthia Crompton Jayne Salmon Edmee Cudmore Francesca Shelton Anna Denton Janet Thomson Joy Goodwin June Tyrrell Jenny Happell Mary Ward Elisabeth Hardie Marge Watson Ruth Harris Jill Williams Virginia Heywood Jocelyn Wilson Judy Woodfull Honorary Associates

68 Honorary Associates are appointed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria on the recommendation of the Director for a fixed term of up to three years, with the option of reappointment by mutual agreement.

Honorary Associates are individuals Dr Peter Adams, School of Botany, who possess expertise in areas that The University of Melbourne supplement or complement our staff. Ms Barbara Archer, Esperance, Honorary Associates contribute greatly Western Australia to the achievement of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ goals by conducting research Ms Helen Aston, retired, RBG Melbourne on various plant families, bryophytes, Dr Michelle Casanova, Westmere, Victoria fungi, lichens and algae, or curating the Herbarium collections. Others add to Mr Ian Clarke, Bentleigh, Victoria the value of the Herbarium’s collections Dr Fiona Coates, Department by collecting specimens, including of Sustainability and Environment undescribed plants and fungi, from areas that staff are unable to survey. Mr Lawrence Cohn, Doncaster, Victoria The Library also beneﬁts from the input Mrs Margaret Corrick, retired, ofanumberofHonoraryAssociatesto RBG Melbourne the Mueller Correspondence Project. Dr Tom Darragh, Williamstown, Victoria

Prof Rod Home, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, The University of Melbourne

Dr Sheryl Lawson, School of Botany, The University of Melbourne

Ms Sara Maroske, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, The University of Melbourne

Mrs Enid Mayﬁeld, Geelong, Victoria

Dr Josephine Milne, Pearcedale, Victoria

Mr Bill Molyneux, Yarra Glen, Victoria

Prof Jim Ross, retired, RBG Melbourne

Mr Kevin Rule, Nunawading, Victoria

Ms Katrina Syme, Denmark, Western Australia

Dr Monika Wells, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, The University of Melbourne Organisations that have provided research grants

Australian Biological Resources Study Maroondah Native Plant Group

Australian Centre of Excellence Maud Gibson Trust forRiskAnalysis Museums Australia RETI Australian Daisy Study Group Norman Wettenhall Foundation Australian Research Council Parks Victoria City of Monash Roger and Natalie Peate Cybec (Roger Riordan) Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Department of Environment Rural Industries and Development and Heritage Corporation Department of Sustainability Swinburne University of Technology and Environment VicRoads

William Buckland Foundation

6 Financial statements

71 Auditor-General’s report 72

RBG Declaration 74

Operating Statement for the Reporting Period ended 30 June 2006 75

Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2006 76

Statement of Recognised Income and Expense for the Reporting Period ended 30 June 2006 77

Cashflow Statement for the Reporting Period ended 30 June 2006 78 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 79

Accountable Officer’s, Chief Finance and Accounting Officer’s, and Board declaration

74 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Operating Statement for the Reporting Period ended 30 June 2006

75 2006 2005 Notes $ $ Revenue

$*&#"#(&#(' '$)&'& *&$& (&&*#)#&*#)& *&$"$(&%&( '

Expenses

"%!$-# (' (&,%#''&$"$& #&-( * ( ' ##$'(' %& ( $#

Total operating expenses

Net results Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06

$*$%&( #'(("#('$)!& #$# )#( $#+ (($"%#- ##$(' Royal Botanic Gardens Board Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2006

76 2006 2005 Notes $ $ Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 5 3,266,330 7,793,419 Receivables 6 709,882 705,084 Inventories 7 348,450 320,196 Prepayments 56,542 60,084

4,381,204 8,878,783

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 8 145,404,555 90,953,337

145,404,555 90,953,337

TOTAL ASSETS 149,785,759 99,832,120

Current liabilities Payables 9 1,356,939 1,857,435 Interest Bearing Liabilities 10 131,382 13,665 Provisions 11 1,344,260 1,363,672

2,832,581 3,234,772

Non-current liabilities Interest Bearing Liabilities 10 323,663 93,748 Provisions 11 290,770 394,454

614,433 488,202

TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,447,014 3,722,974

Net Assets 146,338,745 96,109,146

Equity Contributed Capital 12(a) 62,719,729 62,719,729 Accumulated Surplus 12(b) 10,425,828 10,459,360 Reserves 12(c) 73,193,188 22,930,057

TOTAL EQUITY 12(d) 146,338,745 96,109,146

The above balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Statement of Recognised Income and Expense for the Reporting Period ended 30 June 2006

77 Contributed Asset Revaluation Accumulated Total Capital Reserve Surplus/(Deficit) $ $ $ $

At 1 July 2004 62,719,729 22,930,057 8,216,054 93,865,840

Net Results - - 2,243,306 2,243,306

At 30 June 2005 62,719,729 22,930,057 10,459,360 96,109,146

Revaluation increment - 50,263,131 - 50,263,131

Net Results - - (33,532) (33,532)

At 30 June 2006 62,719,729 73,193,188 10,425,828 146,338,745

The above statement of recognised income and expense should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Cash Flow Statement as at 30 June 2006

78 2006 2005 Notes $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts %)('$"$+'#"#) %)('$"$)'#) ) ( #)'()' + Payments $$(#'+ (-% )$))-) $#*)$' ). ."#)()$(*%%! '(#"%!$.( ##$()(

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

'$('$"(!$%'$%').%!#)#&* %"#) ."#)($'%'$%').%!#)#&* %"#) Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

Cashflows from financing activities %."#)$ ##!((

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of financial year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of financial year

$+(!$,())"#)($*!' #$# *#) $#, ))$"%#. ##$)( Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006

79 Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of accounting

General This financial report is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS), other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions.

This financial report has been prepared on an accrual and going concern bases. The financial report has also been prepared under the historical cost convention, except where specifically stated in note 1(d).

Accounting policies Unless otherwise stated, all accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the prior year. Where appropriate, comparative figures have been amended to accord with current Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 presentation and disclosure made of material changes to comparatives.

Classification between current and non-current In the determination of whether an asset or liability is current or non-current, consideration is given to the time when each asset or liability is expected to be realised or paid. The asset or liability is classified as current if it is expected to be turned over within the next twelve months, being the Board's operational cycle.

Commentary on Compliance with IFRSs These financial statements are the first Royal Botanic Gardens Board financial statements to be prepared in accordance with AIFRSs. AASB 1 First-Time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards has been applied in preparing these financial statements. In application of A-IFRS, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

80 These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and certain classes of property, plant and equipment.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the ,.+ !//+",,(5%*#0$!!*0%056/ +1*0%*#,+(% %!/ Judgements, estimates and assumptions made by management in the application of A-IFRS are disclosed, where applicable, in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

During the 2001 / 2002 financial year, the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria was established with a settled sum of $100. The Trustee is Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria Ltd. Under the provisions of the trust deed, it is intended that the Trust will solicit and receive gifts from the public and earn returns on investments. The net operating surplus of the Trust will be set aside to a capital account and the Trustee will pay or apply funds for the purpose of providing benefits to the Named Institutions as the Trustee decides from time to time. The Named Institutions are Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and any other Eligible Charity nominated by the Trustee.

Resources received and provided free of charge are recognised at their fair value. Contributions in the form of services are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if not donated.

(i) Acquisitions of assets

The cost method of accounting is used for acquisition of assets. Cost is measured as the fair value of assets given up or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition plus incidental costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition. (ii) Non-current assets constructed by the Board

The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Board includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overheads.

(iii) Revaluations of non-current assets

Subsequent to initial recognition as assets, non-current physical assets are measured at either cost or fair value. 81 Plant, equipment, motor vehicles, and furniture and fittings are measured at cost. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially from its fair value at the reporting date. Revaluations are conducted in accordance with Victorian Government Policy - Revaluation of Non-Current Physical Assets. This revaluation process normally occurs every five years.

Revaluation increments are credited directly to equity in the asset revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an increment reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an expense in net result, the increment is recognised immediately as revenue in the net result.

Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve.

The revaluation increments and decrements relating to individual assets within a class of property, plant and equipment are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets in different classses. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06

Although the value of the Crown land located at South Yarra and Cranbourne has been included in the Balance Sheet, it should be noted that under the provisions of the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991, the Board is only responsible for the management of the land and does not own these properties.

$!//!*/)% '*''! /%*)2%/$/$!!3 !+/%*)*"/$!'%--46.(*)*#-+$) periodical collections) is not valued due to the unique and historic significance of the vast majority of the collection, which will be retained in perpetuity.

(iv) Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives to the Board, using the straight-line method of calculation. Depreciation rates are reviewed annually and, if necessary, adjusted so that they will reflect the most recent assessments of the useful lives of the respective assets.

Major depreciation rates are: 0%' %)#.) +%/'%(+-*1!(!)/. 5 ')/) !,0%+(!)/ 5 *(+0/!-!,0%+(!)/ 0-)%/0-!) "%//%)#. 5 *)*#-+$

No depreciation is provided for the periodical collections of the library. The Board considers that the collections, due to their unique nature, will appreciate, rather than depreciate in value.

Some antique furniture and equipment are not depreciated, as they are not currently in use. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables. Finance lease receivables are initially recorded at amounts equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments receivable plus the present value of any unguaranteed residual value expected to accrue at the end of the lease term. Finance lease payments are allocated between interest revenue and reduction of the lease receivable over the term of the lease in order to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the lease.

Rental income operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Board at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.

Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligations so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Finance lease assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

During the reporting period, the Board may hold cultural assets, heritage assets, Crown land and infrastructures.

Such assets are deemed worthy of preservation because of the social, rather than financial, benefits they provide to the community. The nature of these assets means that there are certain limitations and restrictions imposed on their use and/or disposal.

Inventory on hand is valued at the lower of cost and current replacement cost. 83

Sales Revenue

Revenue from sale of goods is recognised when control of goods has passed to the buyer, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that it will be received by the Board.

Grants, donations and sponsorship

Government grants, donations, sponsorship and other contributions are recognised as revenues when the organisation gains control over the assets comprising the contributions.

Interest revenue

Interest revenue is recognised on a time proportionate basis that takes into account the effective yield on the financial asset.

Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 All debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable, as they are due for settlement at no more than 30 days from the date of recognition. Collectability of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known to be uncollectable are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists.

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Board prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

The costs of maintaining property, plant and equipment are charged as expenses as incurred, except where they enhance the value of the asset, in which case the costs are capitalised and depreciated in accordance with note 1(d)(iv).

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except;

+ (#% & % &##$ %# '## %%)% &% #%*%$ recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense; or + ##'$ !*$(## $ &$'

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

84 Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxtion authority is classified as operating cash flows.

(i) Wages and salaries, sick leave and annual leave

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are &$# ' #&'%($"%!$-'.'&* ')%($(&%$&( #(#&"')&'( amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.

(ii) Long service leave

A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Consideration is given, when assessing expected future payments, to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using interest rates attaching, as at the reporting date, to Commonwealth Government guaranteed securities with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

Regardless of the expected timing of settlement, provisions made in respect of employee benefits are classified as a current liability unless there is an unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date, in which case it would be classified as a non-current liability. A non-current liability would include long service leave entitlements accrued for employees with less than 10 years of continuous service.

(iii) Superannuation

Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed when incurred.

The amount charged to the operating statement in respect of defined benefit plan superannuation, represents the contributions made by the Board to the superannuation plan in respect to the current services of current Board staff. Superannuation contributions are made to the plans based on the relevant rules of each plan. The Board does not recognise any defined benefit liability in respect of the superannuation plan because the Board has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees; its only obligation is to pay superannuation contributions as they fall due. The Department of Treasury and Finance administers # '!$''(((.'# (! ! ( ' # (' ## !&%$&( 85

%((%- $%)*)((%$ )).&$)) $*&( % $- */( $+((.&* -(*/( $"+ $*%)*)%*'+" / $))*)

%((%- $%)*) $"+ $*()*%$ $$")("* $*%%)*) $+(( $%$$* %$- * *(($#$*% $$")()

$*()*( $" " * )((%( $ * ""/* (,"+$*%*($)* %$%)*)

+)'+$**% $ * "(%$ * %$ $*()*( $" " * )(#)+(*#%(* )%)* - *$/ ($*-$* $ * "(%$ )#%+$*$*(#&* %$,"+ $ (%$ ) $ &(% * $ "%)) %,( * &( % % * $*()* ( $ " " */ +) $ * * , $*()*(*#*%

( $))(/ %#&(* , +() , $ +)* *% %$%(# *% $) $ Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 &()$** %$ $*+(($*/(

)$)'+ ,"$*)%#&( ))%$$$) $$!)$ $,)*#$*) $ #%$/#(!* $)*(+#$*)$$*%+*)*$ $$!%,((*)$!%,((*)()%-$ - * $ $*()*( $" " * ) $+(($*" " * ) $*"$)*

%$) )*$*- *$*(&(** %$ *($)()**( $*$*+(%%$*( +* %$)%( )*( +* %$), ")% $ ) $* ) %$*( +* & *" %$*( +* & *" #%,#$*%( * $$ "/($ $ +$ -)$ " $ "

$"))%*(- ))**#%+$*) $* $$ ")**#$*),$(%+$*%*$()* %""( Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

86 $

Sale of goods 637,773 577,664 Rendering of services 755,967 639,101 1,393,740 1,216,765 Government grants 10,031,930 11,428,130 Sponsorship and donations 1,568,370 2,392,386 Sub-lease rentals 903,280 1,049,691 Interest 358,845 548,760 Resources received free of charge 797,212 813,407 Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 13,647 2,741 Other revenue 48,533 33,558 13,721,817 16,268,673

15,115,557 17,485,438

Net result from ordinary activities includes the following specific expenses:

Depreciation Buildings 267,768 185,096 Capital Improvements 358,205 250,721 Plant and Equipment 222,499 385,807 Furniture and Fittings 115,359 84,652 Motor Vehicles 50,927 8,374 Office and Computer Equipment 92,211 92,438 Cultural assets 31,169 6,279 1,138,138 1,013,367

Employee Benefits Salary and wages 7,238,124 6,830,656 Superannuation 727,066 690,278 Annual leave and long service leave expense 615,173 853,642 Other on-costs 544,018 515,479 9,124,381 8,890,055

Rental expenses relating to operating leases Minimum lease payments 230,554 255,661

Finance Costs Interest on finance lease 33,828 4,876 87

Advertising 55,382 42,897 Audit fees 13,200 12,800 Bad debts expense 3,505 18,777 Books, periodicals and subscriptions 117,188 116,770 Building maintenance 125,176 236,158 Cleaning and waste disposal costs 35,789 205,363 Consultancy fees 325,052 145,584 Contract costs 1,739,693 2,138,326 EDP expenses 167,738 318,452 Fuel, plant and equipment maintenance 149,083 97,884 Insurance 85,521 70,322 Vehicle leases and running costs 153,532 163,572 Legal costs 63,542 82,739 Materials and stores 443,801 279,529 Minor equipment and minor works 60,263 66,652 Office equipment lease and maintenance 78,610 97,547 Office requisitions and stationery 51,439 33,661

Plant hire 28,906 17,531 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Power and light, gas, rates 282,478 259,142 Printing and photographic expenses 98,162 187,025 Public relations 260 2,732 Security 71,033 69,681 Staff training and development 113,498 56,465 Telephone and postage 108,700 127,860 Travelling and transportation 113,342 76,424 Other 367,849 409,941 4,852,742 5,333,834

Short term deposits - 30 day deposit 1,500,000 6,689,767 - 11 am call deposit 1,578,388 946,732 Cash at bank and on hand 187,942 156,920 3,266,330 7,793,419

Debtors 483,740 451,521 GST Receivable 161,147 132,157 Other Debtors 64,995 121,406 709,882 705,084 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

88 Inventory held for sale - At cost 348,450 320,196 - At current replacement cost - - 348,450 320,196

Land At valuation 2006 108,670,000 - At valuation 2002 - 56,600,000 Total Land 108,670,000 56,600,000

Buildings At valuation 2006 8,353,697 - At valuation 2002 - 9,405,700 At cost 11,809,318 1,872,025 Less accumulated depreciation (8,250,015) (555,116) Total Buildings 11,913,000 10,722,609 Total Land and Buildings 120,583,000 67,322,609

Capital Improvements At valuation 2006 (2,278,114) - At valuation 2002 5,100,000 5,100,000 Capital improvements at cost 12,360,976 49,161 Less accumulated depreciation (1,030,297) (672,091) 14,152,565 4,477,070

Plant and equipment At cost 2,401,119 2,344,227 Less accumulated depreciation (1,653,573) (1,431,074) 747,546 913,153

Furniture and fittings At cost 563,435 523,896 Less accumulated depreciation (453,676) (338,298) 109,759 185,598

Motor Vehicles - Vicfleet Lease At cost 507,154 117,161 Less accumulated depreciation (57,336) (10,371) 449,818 106,790

Office equipment (including computer equipment) At cost 639,517 458,592 Less accumulated depreciation (333,077) (240,886) 306,440 217,706 89

Library - Monograph collection At valuation 2004 4,774,788 4,774,788 Less accumulated depreciation (37,448) (6,279) 4,737,340 4,768,509

Library periodicals At Cost 1,897,597 1,897,597 Total Cultural Assets 6,634,937 6,666,106

Total property, plant and equipment at net book value 142,984,065 79,889,032

Capital works under construction 2,420,490 11,064,305

Total non-current assets 145,404,555 90,953,337 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06

The Office of the Valuer General independently revalued land, buildings and capital improvements as at 30 June 2006. The valuation has been prepared on the basis of fair value. Land, buildings and capital improvements are included in the financial statements at the revalued amount.

Assets acquired within 12 months of the revaluation date are exempted from revaluation unless evidence (:,5656+$66+($55(6<5&$44;,0*8$.7('1(5016/$6(4,$..;4().(&6,65)$,48$.7(

The monograph collection of the library was valued independently in June 2004 by Barbara Hince, a registered valuer under the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme, and Managing Director of Kenneth Hince Old and Fine Books Pty Ltd (member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers).

The valuation has been prepared on the basis of deprival value. It is stated in the financial statements at the revalued amount. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

90 ,000,066 6,700,098 0,953,337 5,392,087 Total Total - (1,138,138) - 50,263,131 - (1,013,367) In course of course In construction construction - (60,058) 11,064,305 90,953,337 tralian Garden at RBG Cranbourne. RBG Garden at Cranbourne. tralian 7 2,420,490 145,404,555 - - (4,460) s considered within the last 12 months. 12 months. last the within s considered Assets Assets Cultural Cultural ------(1,349,803) ------(121,021) (121,021) ------(13,613,783)* (13,613,783) - - - - Office Office Equipment Motor Vehicles Vehicles Fittings Fittings Furniture & Furniture Plant & Plant Equipment Capital Capital Improvements Improvements $ $ $ $ $ Land & Buildings Buildings 51,017,996 (754,865) - - - - - ounts of each class of property and equipment at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial financial and previous current and end of the at beginning the and equipment property of of each class ounts 67,489,341 3,332,477 1,077,657 248,567 62,139 195,014 6,672,385 7,622,518 8 67,322,609 4,477,070 913,153 185,598 106,790 217,706 6,666,106 11,064,305 9 Note 8: Property, Plant and (continued) Plant Equipment 8: Property, Note years are set out below. out below. set are years Reconciliations of the carrying am Carrying amount at end of year amount at Carrying 67,322,609 4,477,070 913,153 185,598 106,790 217,706 6,666,106 Additions Additions Disposals Transfers to assets Revaluation increments progress work in Transfers expenses to software Transfer expense Depreciation - - - 1,349,803 ------18,364 - - - - (185,096) - 45,511 - - - - - (250,721) 225,763 - (385,807)- (4,460) 21,683 (84,652) 53,025 - (8,374) 115,130 - (92,438) (6,279) - - 4,912,611 This amount was specifically excluded in the Valuation report prepared on behalf of the Valuer General as the expenditure wa as expenditure the General Valuer of the on behalf prepared Valuation report the in excluded was specifically This amount 2005 of start amount at Carrying year Aus the complete to undertaken work Improvement Capital the represents progress’ ‘Work in from of $13,613,783 Note – Transfer * Transfers to assets Revaluation increments/(decrements) - - - - - 2006 of start amount at Carrying year Additions Disposals 2,510,163 - 10,788,565 93,446 - 39,527 (36,554) 417,364 (7) 181,033 (23,409) - (88) - 4,969,968 19 Transfers work in progress expenses to software Transfer expense Depreciation - - - end of year amount at Carrying - 120,583,000 14,152,565 - 747,546 - 109,759 - (267,768) 449,818 - 306,440 6,634,93 - (358,205) - (222,499) (115,359) (50,927) (92,211) (31,169) 91 Note 9: Payables 2006 2005 $ $

Creditors 1,356,939 1,811,925 Payroll Tax - 45,510 1,356,939 1,857,435

Note 10: Interest Bearing Liabilities 2006 2005 $ $ Current Lease Liabilities - VicFleet 131,382 13,665

Non-Current Lease Liabilities - VicFleet 323,663 93,748

Note 11: Provisions 2006 2005 Current $ $ Employee Entitlements Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Annual Leave 575,293 589,464 Long Service Leave 768,967 774,208

1,344,260 1,363,672

Non-current Employee Entitlements Long Service Leave 290,770 394,454

290,770 394,454

Aggregate carrying amount of provisions Current 1,344,260 1,363,672 Non-current 290,770 394,454 1,635,030 1,758,126

Note 12: Equity and Movements in Equity 2006 2005 $ $ (a) Contributed Capital At beginning and end of year 62,719,729 62,719,729

(b) Accumulated Surplus At beginning of year 10,459,360 8,216,054 Net result for reporting period (33,532) 2,243,306 At end of year 10,425,828 10,459,360

(c) Asset revaluation reserve * At beginning of year 22,930,057 22,930,057 Land & Buildings 50,263,131 - At end of year 73,193,188 22,930,057 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

92 Note 12: Equity and Movements in Equity (continued)

(d) Movements in Equity At beginning of year 96,109,146 93,865,840 Revaluation increment 12(c) 50,263,131 - Net result for reporting period 12(b) (33,532) 2,243,306

At end of year 146,338,745 96,109,146

* Nature and Purpose of Reserves Asset revaluation reserve The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets, as described in accounting policy note 1(d).

Note 13: Financial Instruments

(a) Interest Rate Risk Exposures

2006 Weighted Fixed interest maturing in: average Floating More Non- interest interest 1 year Over 1 than interest Consolidated Notes rate rate or less to 5 years 5 years bearing Total $ $ $ $ $ $

Financial assets Cash and cash 5 5.7% 3,078,388 - - - 187,942 3,266,330 equivalents Receivables 6 - - - - 709,882 709,882

3,078,388 - - - 897,824 3,976,212

Financial Liabilities Payables 9 - - - - 1,356,939 1,356,939 Interest-bearing 10 6.5% - 131,382 323,663 - - 455,045 liabilities

- 131,382 323,663 - 1,356,939 1,811,984

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 3,078,388 (131,382) (323,663) - (459,115) 2,164,228 93 Note 13: Financial Instruments (continued)

2005 Weighted Fixed interest maturing in: average Floating More Non- interest interest 1 year Over 1 than interest Consolidated Notes rate rate or less to 5 years 5 years bearing Total $ $ $ $ $ $

Financial assets Cash and cash 5 5.6% 7,636,499 - - - 156,920 7,793,419 equivalents Receivables 6 - - - - 705,084 705,084

7,636,499 - - - 862,004 8,498,503

Financial Liabilities Payables 9 - - - - 1,857,435 1,857,435 Interest-bearing 10 6.5% - 13,665 93,748 - - 107,413 liabilities

- 13,665 93,748 - 1,857,435 1,964,848

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 7,636,499 (13,665) (93,748) - (995,431) 6,533,655 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 (b) Credit Risk Exposures

The credit risk of financial assets of the Board which have been recognised in the statement of financial position, is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful debts.

The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the Royal Botanic Gardens Board approximates their carrying amounts. The carrying amounts and net fair values of financial assets and liabilities at reporting date are:

2006 2005 Carrying Net fair Carrying Net fair amount Value amount Value Notes $ $ $ $

Financial assets Cash and cash 5 3,266,330 3,266,330 7,793,419 7,793,419 equivalents Receivables 6 709,882 709,882 705,084 705,084 3,976,212 3,976,212 8,498,503 8,498,503

Financial liabilities Payables 9 1,356,939 1,356,939 1,857,435 1,857,435 Interest-bearing 10 455,045 455,045 107,413 107,413 liabilities 1,811,984 1,811,984 1,964,848 1,964,848

Total 2,164,228 2,164,228 6,533,655 6,533,655 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

94 Note 13: Financial Instruments (continued)

(d) Reconciliation of Net Financial Assets to Net Assets 2006 2005 Notes $$

Net Financial assets as above 2,164,228 6,533,655

Non Financial Assets and Liabilities Property, Plant and Equipment 8 148,605,967 90,953,337 Prepayments 56,543 60,084 Inventories 7 348,450 320,196 Provisions 11 (1,635,030) (1,758,126)

Net assets per balance sheet 149,540,158 96,109,146

Note 14: Responsible persons

In accordance with the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994, the following disclosures are made regarding responsible persons for the reporting period.

Names

The persons who held the positions of Ministers and Accountable Officers in the Royal Botanic Gardens Board are as follows:

Minister

Minister for Environment The Hon John Thwaites, MP 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006

Governing Board

Chairman Ms Elaine Canty 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 Deputy Chairman Prof Pauline Ladiges 1 July 2005 to 8 April 2006 Deputy Chairman Mr Michael Hamson 9 April 2006 to 30 June 2006 Member Mr Michael Hamson 11 October 2005 to 8 April 2006 Member Mr Rodger Elliot 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 Member Mrs Janet Halsall 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 Member Mr Michael Bourke 1 July 2005 to 8 April 2006 Member Ms Alison Stone 1 July 2005 to 23 August 2005 Member Ms Judy Backhouse 11 October 2005 to 30 June 2006 Member Prof Mark Burgman 9 April 2006 to 30 June 2006 Member Ms Linda White 9 April 2006 to 30 June 2006

Accountable Officer

Director Dr Philip Moors 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006

Remuneration

The number of responsible persons, other than Ministers, and their total remuneration in connection with the management of the Royal Botanic Gardens during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of responsible persons is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits. 95 Note 14: Responsible persons (continued)

A number of executive officers received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments are based on the terms of individual employment contracts, which provide for an annual bonus payment.

Income Band Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2006 2005 2006 2005 No. No. No. No. $0 – 10,000 7 7 7 7 $150,000 – 159,999 0 0 0 1 $160,000 – 169,999 0 0 0 0 $170,000 – 179,999 0 1 1 0 $180,000 – 189,999 0 0 0 0 $190,000 – 199,999 1 0 0 0 Total numbers 8 8 8 8

Total amount $241,141 $220,719 $212,551 $197,275

Amounts relating to Ministers are reported in the financial statements of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Other Transactions Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Other related transactions and loans requiring disclosure under the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance have been considered and there are no matters to report.

Note 15: Remuneration of executives

The number of executive officers, other than Ministers and Accountable Officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits.

Several factors have affected total remuneration payable to executive officers over the year. An external review of executive positions resulted in the renegotiation of a number of employment contracts and a number of executive officers received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments are based on the terms of individual employment contracts, which provide for an annual bonus payment.

One executive officer retired in the past year. This has had an impact on total remuneration figures due to inclusion of annual leave and long service leave payments.

Income Band Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2006 2005 2006 2005 No. No. No. No. $90,000 – 99,999 0 0 1 3 $100,000 – 109,999 1 2 2 1 $110,000 – 119,999 1 2 0 2 $120,000 – 129,999 1 1 2 0 $130,000 – 139,999 2 1 1 0 $140,000 – 149,999 0 0 0 0 $150,000 – 159,999 1 0 0 0

Total numbers 6 6 6 6

Total amount $770,609 $707,741 $677,907 $625,695 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

96 Note 15: Remuneration of executives (continued)

Number of executive officers classified into ‘Ongoing’ and ‘Special Projects’

‘Ongoing’ executive officers are those who are responsible for functions that are expected to be ongoing at the reporting date.

‘Special Projects’ executive officers are those who are employed for a specific project. These projects are generally for a specific period of time and relate to a specific organisational priority.

‘Var’ denotes the variations between the current and previous reporting periods.

All Ongoing Special Projects Class No. Var No. Var No. Var EO-3 6 0 5 0 1 0 Total 6 0 5 0 1 0

Note 16: Remuneration of Auditors 2006 2005 $ $ Audit fees paid/payable to the Victorian Auditor General's Office for audit of the Board's financial report: 13,200 12,800

Note 17: Contingent Liabilities

The Board is not aware of the existence of any contingent liability as at the reporting date. (2005: $nil)

Note 18: Commitments 2006 2005 $ $ Capital commitments Commitments for capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial report as liabilities, payable: Within 1 year 93,499 877,630 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 8,168 45,000 101,667 922,630

Other commitments Other commitments include amounts withheld to date and payable in the future to contractors upon the successful completion of capital works. An amount of $180,000 will be settled within the next 12 months.

Operating lease commitments

(a) Royal Botanic Gardens as lessee Commitments in relation to leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial report as liabilities, payable: Within 1 year 46,348 85,607 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 44,309 28,259 90,657 113,866 Representing: Non-cancellable operating leases 90,657 113,866 97 Note 18: Commitments (continued)

(b) Royal Botanic Gardens as lessor (i) The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in the aggregate and for each of the following periods: Not later than 1 year 903,280 1,049,691 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 2,034,780 2,674,350 Later than 5 years - 104,000 2,938,060 3,828,041

(ii) Total contingent rents recognised as income in the period 903,280 1,049,691

(iii) The lessor has 4 lease arrangements in place for the provision of catering and function and event management in the Gardens.

Finance leases Commitments in relation to finance leases are payable as follows:

Within 1 year 157,924 20,245 Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 363,002 100,028 Minimum lease payments 520,926 120,273

Less: Future finance charges (65,882) (12,859) Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06

Recognised as a liability 455,044 107,414

Representing lease liabilities: Current 10 131,382 13,665 Non-current 10 323,663 93,748

455,045 107,413

Note 19: Employee Benefits 2006 2005 $ $ Employee benefit liabilities Provision for employee benefit Current (note 11) 1,344,260 1,363,672 Non-current (note 11) 290,770 394,454 Aggregate employee benefit liability 1,635,030 1,758,126

Government employees' superannuation fund The Board does not have any unfunded superannuation liability as full contribution has been made by the Board to the State Superannuation Fund.

Superannuation contributions for the reporting period are included as part of salaries and associated costs in the statement of financial performance. Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

98 Note 19: Employee Benefits (continued)

Type of funds Contribution Contribution Rates Rates Fund Type 2006 2005

MLC Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 9% State Superannuation Fund Revised Scheme Defined 17% 17% New Scheme Defined 7.5 - 10.5% 7.5 - 10.5% VicSuper Pty Ltd Accumulation 9% 9% Uni Super Management Pty Ltd Accumulation 9% 9% Superwrap Accumulation 9% 9%

Contributions made The name and details of the major employee superannuation funds and contributions made by the employer are as follows: No. of Contribution Contribution Employees for the Year for the Year 2006 2005 $ $

MLC Superannuation Fund 65 190,442 217,257 State Superannuation Fund Revised Scheme 3 25,730 39,138 New Scheme 23 97,375 97,138 VicSuper Pty Ltd 148 444,858 323,901 Uni Super Management Pty Ltd 1 533 692 Superwrap 1 29,131 25,911

Total 788,069 704,038

Contributions outstanding at 30 June 2006 - 10,894

The requirements of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 are fully complied with.

All employees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Board who are members of the Government Superannuation Scheme are entitled to benefits on retirement, disability or death from the Government Employees' Superannuation Fund. This Fund provides defined lump sum benefits based on years of service and final average salary. The Department of Treasury and Finance administers discloses the State’s defined benefit liabilities in its financial report.

Note 20: Event Occurring After Reporting Date

There is no event occurring after balance date that would have a material effect on the accounts. (2005: $nil) 99 Note 21: Reconciliation of net result for the period to net cash flow from operating activities 2006 2005 $ $

Net result for the period (33,532) 2,243,306

(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (13,647) (2,741)

Depreciation 1,138,138 1,013,367

Change in operating assets and liabilities Decrease/(increase) in receivables (4,798) (297,979) Decrease/(increase) in prepayments 3,541 (19,835) (Increase)/decrease in inventories (28,254) (54,258) Increase/(decrease) in payables (500,496) 1,189,980 Increase/(decrease) in provisions (123,096) 254,956

Net cash from operating activities 437,856 4,326,796 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

100 Note 22: Explanation of transition to Australian equivalents to IFRSs

(1) Reconciliation of equity reported under previous Australian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (AGAAP) to equity under Australian equivalents to IFRSs (AIFRS)

(a) At the date of transition to AIFRS: 1 July 2004 Notes Previous Effect of AIFRS AGAAP transition to AIFRS

Current assets Cash assets 8,685,383 - 8,685,383 Receivables 407,105 - 407,105 Inventories 40,249 - 40,249 Prepayments 265,938 - 265,938

Total current assets 9,398,675 - 9,398,675

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 86,700,097 - 86,700,097

Total non-current assets 86,700,097 - 86,700,097

TOTAL ASSETS 96,098,772 - 96,098,772

Current liabilities Payables 667,455 - 667,455 Interest Bearing Liabilities 6,099 - 6,099 Provisions Refer (4) 676,254 589,070 1,265,324

Total current liabilities 1,349,808 589,070 1,938,878

Non-current liabilities Interest Bearing Liabilities 56,208 - 56,208 Provisions Refer (4) 826,916 (589,070) 237,846

Total non-current liabilities 883,124 (589,070) 294,054

TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,232,932 - 2,232,932

Net Assets 93,865,840 - 93,865,840

Equity Contributed Capital 62,719,729 - 62,719,729 Accumulated Surplus 8,216,054 - 8,216,054 Reserves 22,930,057 - 22,930,057

TOTAL EQUITY 93,865,840 - 93,865,840

101 Note 22: Explanation of transition to Australian equivalents to IFRSs (continued)

(b) At the end of the last reporting period under previous AGAAP: 30 June 2005

Notes Previous Effect of AIFRS AGAAP transition to AIFRS

Current assets Cash assets 7,793,419 - 7,793,419 Receivables 705,084 - 705,084 Inventories 60,084 - 60,084 Prepayments 320,196 - 320,196

Total current assets 8,878,783 - 8,878,783

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Refer (5) 90,953,337 - 90,953,337

Total non-current assets 90,953,337 - 90,953,337

TOTAL ASSETS 99,832,120 - 99,832,120

Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Current liabilities Payables 1,857,435 - 1,857,435 Interest Bearing Liabilities 13,665 - 13,665 Provisions Refer (4) 706,330 657,342 1,363,672

Total current liabilities 2,577,430 657,342 3,234,772

Non-current liabilities Interest Bearing Liabilities 93,748 - 93,748 Provisions Refer (4) 1,051,796 (657,342) 394,454

Total non-current liabilities 1,145,544 (657,342) 488,202

TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,722,974 - 3,722,974

Net Assets 96,109,146 - 96,109,146

Equity Contributed Capital 62,719,729 - 62,719,729 Accumulated Surplus 22,930,057 - 22,930,057 Reserves 10,459,360 - 10,459,360

TOTAL EQUITY 96,109,146 - 96,109,146 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 (continued)

102 Note 22: Explanation of transition to Australian equivalents to IFRSs (continued)

(2) Reconciliation of profit for the year ended 30 June 2005

Notes Previous Effect of AIFRS AGAAP transition to AIFRS

Revenue from ordinary activities

Government grants 11,428,130 - 11,428,130 Resources received free of charge 813,407 - 813,407 Other revenue and revenue received from other parties 5,248,361 - 5,248,361

Total Revenue 17,489,898 - 17,489,898

Expenses from ordinary activities

Employee benefits (8,890,055) - (8,890,055) Other expenses from ordinary activities (5,343,170) - (5,343,170) Depreciation and amortisation expense (1,013,367) - (1,013,367)

Total operating expenses (15,246,592) - (15,246,592)

Net result for the reporting period 2,243,306 - 2,243,306

Net increase in asset revaluation reserve - - -

Profit for the Year 2,243,306 - 2,243,306

(3) Reconciliation of cash flow statement for the year ended 30 June 2005

There are no material differences between the cash flow presented under Australian equivalents to IFRSs and the cash flow statement presented under previous AGAAP.

(4) Notes to the reconciliation

Under A-IFRS, the entity now recognises current employee entitlements for Long Service Leave in terms of AASB 119 Employee Benefits. This results in the classification of current and non-current Long Service Leave entitlements to be made, based on the actual amounts determined by the years of service completed by an employee. A current liability exists for all entitlements in excess of 10 years services whilst, a non-current liability remains for all entitlements less than 10 years. 10 years service for Long Service Leave recognition is determined by the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Certified Agreement 2004. 103 - - Total Total 11,064,305 90,953,337 4,912,611 5,392,087 In course of course In construction construction - 11,064,305 90,953,337 - - (1,013,367) Library Library Periodicals Periodicals - - - (4,460) 9,985 1,897,597 7,622,518 86,700,098 Assets Assets Cultural Cultural ------(1,349,803) - - - - (121,021) (121,021) - - - - - Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Office Office Equipment Motor Vehicles Vehicles Fittings Fittings Furniture & Furniture Equipment Infrastructure Plant & Plant Infrastructure $ $ $ $ $ $ Land & Buildings Buildings (5) Reconciliation of carrying amount at end of year for Property, Plant and Equipment and Equipment Plant Property, at amount end of year for of carrying Reconciliation (5) of AIFRS as a result Adjustments to Land & Buildings Transfer - 1,917,889 (1,916,588) (1,301) - Transfer to Infrastructure to Infrastructure Transfer - Assets to Cultural Transfer - & Fittings to Furn. Transfer - end of year amount at Carrying (98,485) 67,322,609 4,477,070 913,153 185,598 106,790 217,706 393,338 6,666,106 (393,338) (54,060) (12,258) (29,831) 32,076 2,062,400 (2,245) (1,897,597) - - 2005 year of start amount at Carrying 65,669,937 4,855,727 1,556,187 228,749 62,139 197,259 4,60 Additions Additions Disposals Transfers to assets Revaluation increments progress work in Transfers expenses to software Transfer expense Depreciation - - - 1,349,803 ------18,364 - - - - (185,096) - 45,511 - - - - - (250,721) 225,763 - - (385,807) (4,460) 21,683 (84,652) 53,025 - (8,374) 115,130 - (92,438) (6,279) - - - Total Total 65,503,205 6,000,320 1,391,683 165,780 106,790 219,951 4,603,706 1,897,597 Disclosure Index

104 TheAn AnnualRepoR Report of the Royaloyal Botan Botanic Gardens Board Victoria is preparedred in accordanceaccor with all relevante Victorian legislation. Thishis index has been prepared to facilitatefacili identiﬁcation of the Board’s complianceance with statutorydisc disclosure requirements.

Legislation Requirement Page no. (of Complete Annual Report)

Charter and purpose

FRD 22A Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 6

FRD 22A Objectives, functions, powers and duties 2

FRD 22A Nature and range of services provided 8

Management and structure

FRD 22A Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of senior ofﬁcers 10, 11

FRD22A NamesofBoardmembers 7

Financial and other information

FRD22A Statementofworkforcedataforcurrentandpreviousﬁnancialyear 24

FRD22A Meritandequity 24,26

FRD 15A Executive ofﬁcer disclosures 17

FRD 22A Five year summary of the ﬁnancial results 21

FRD 22A Signiﬁcant changes in ﬁnancial position during the year 20

FRD 22A Operational and budgetary objectives and performance against objectives 20, 29–56

FRD22A Majorchangesorfactorsaffectingperformance 3,29–56

FRD22A Subsequenteventswhichwillaffectoperationsinfutureyears 96–99

FRD 22A Details of consultancies over $100,000 22

FRD 22A Details of consultancies under $100,000 22

FRD 12 Disclosure of major contracts 96

FRD 22A Application and operation of Freedom of Information Act 1982 18

FRD 22A Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 19 105

Legislation Requirement Page no. (of Complete Annual Report)

Financial and other information (continued)

FRD 22A Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 19

FRD22A StatementonNationalCompetitionPolicy 16

FRD22A Occupationalhealthandsafety 26

FRD 24A Reporting of ofﬁce-based environmental impacts 12

FRD 25 Victorian Industry Participation Policy disclosures 17

FRD 22A Statement of availability of other information 17

FRD 10 Disclosure Index 104

Financial Statements Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Financial statements required under Part 7 of the FMA

SD 4.2(f) Model Financial Report 72–103

SD 4.2(b) Operating statement 75

SD 4.2(b) Balance sheet 76

SD 4.2(a) Statement of recognised income and expense 77

SD 4.2(b) Cash ﬂow statement 78

SD 4.2(c) Accountable ofﬁcer’s declaration 74

SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements 72, 79–80

SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Ministerial Directions 79

SD 4.2(d) Rounding of amounts 81

Other disclosures in notes to the ﬁnancial statements

FRD 11 Disclosure of ex-gratia payments N/A

FRD 21 Responsible person and executive ofﬁcer disclosures 94 Appendix one

106 Whistleblowers Protection These procedures are designed to An agricultural officer delays or declines Act 2001 complement normal communication imposing quarantine to allow a financially channels between supervisors and distressed farmer to sell diseased stock. employees. Employees are encouraged Procedures A building inspector tolerates poor to continue to raise appropriate matters 1. Statement of support practices and structural defects in the at any time with their supervisors. As work of a leading local builder. to whistleblowers an alternative, employees may make TheRoyalBotanicGardensiscommitted a disclosure of improper conduct or See 4.2 below for specific examples totheaimsandobjectivesofthe detrimental action under the Act in of corrupt conduct. accordance with these procedures. Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 4.2 Corrupt conduct (the Act). It does not tolerate improper 3. Objects of the Act conduct by its employees, officers or Corrupt conduct means: The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 members, nor the taking of reprisals – Conduct of any person (whether or not commenced operation on 1 January against those who come forward to a public official) that adversely affects 2002. The purpose of the Act is to disclose such conduct. the honest performance of a public encourage and facilitate the making The Royal Botanic Gardens recognises officer’s or public body’s functions; of disclosures of improper conduct by the value of transparency and public officers and public bodies. The – The performance of a public officer’s accountability in its administrative and Act provides protection to whistleblowers functions dishonestly or with management practices, and supports the who make disclosures in accordance with inappropriate partiality; making of disclosures that reveal corrupt theAct,andestablishesasystemforthe – Conduct of a public officer, former conduct, conduct involving a substantial matters disclosed to be investigated and public officer or a public body that mismanagement of public resources, rectifying action to be taken. amounts to a breach of public trust; or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the 4. Definitions of key terms – Conduct by a public officer, former environment. Three key concepts in the reporting public officer or a public body that amounts to the misuse of information TheRoyalBotanicGardenswilltake system are improper conduct, corrupt or material acquired in the course allreasonablestepstoprotectpeople conduct and detrimental action. of the performance of their official whomakesuchdisclosuresfromany Definitions of these terms are set functions; or detrimental action in reprisal for making out below. the disclosure. It will also afford natural 4.1 Improper conduct – A conspiracy or attempt to engage justicetothepersonwhoisthesubject in the above conduct. of the disclosure. A disclosure may be made about improper conduct by a public body or Examples 2. Purpose of these procedures public official. Improper conduct means A public officer takes a bribe or receives Theseproceduresestablishasystem conduct that is corrupt, a substantial a payment other than his or her wages for reporting disclosures of improper mismanagement of public resources, or salary in exchange for the discharge conduct or detrimental action by the or conduct involving substantial risk of a public duty. Royal Botanic Gardens or its employees. to public health or safety or to the A public officer favours unmeritorious The system enables such disclosures to environment. The conduct must be applications for jobs or permits by friends be made to the Protected Disclosure Co- serious enough to constitute, if proved, and relatives. ordinator or to the nominated Protected a criminal offence or reasonable Disclosure Officer. Disclosures may be grounds for dismissal. A public officer sells confidential information. made by employees or by members of Examples the public. To avoid closure of a town’s only industry, an environmental health officer ignores or conceals evidence of illegal dumping of waste. 107 4.3 Detrimental action – The Protected Disclosure Officer: 5.2 Alternative contact persons

TheActmakesitanoffenceforaperson Dr Philip Moors A disclosure about improper conduct or to take detrimental action against Director detrimental action by the Royal Botanic apersoninreprisalforaprotected Royal Botanic Gardens Gardens or its employees may also be disclosure. Detrimental action includes: Birdwood Avenue made directly to the Ombudsman: South Yarra Victoria 3141 – Action causing injury, loss or damage; The Ombudsman Victoria Ph: 9252 2304 Level3,SouthTower – Intimidation or harassment; and All correspondence, phone calls 459 Collins Street – Discrimination, disadvantage andemailsfrominternalorexternal Melbourne Victoria 3000 or adverse treatment in relation whistleblowers will be referred to the (DX 210174) to a person’s employment, Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. Internet: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au career, profession, trade or Where a person is contemplating making Email: [email protected] business, including the taking a disclosure and is concerned about Tel: (03) 9613 6222 of disciplinary action. approaching the Protected Disclosure Toll Free: 1800 806 314 Examples Co-ordinator or a Protected Disclosure Ombudsman: Mr George Brouwer Ofﬁcer in the workplace, he or she can A public body refuses a deserved Tel: (03) 9613 6202 call the relevant ofﬁcer and request promotion of a person who makes a meeting in a discreet location away The following table sets out where a disclosure.

from the workplace. disclosures about persons other than Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 A public body demotes, transfers, isolates employees of the Royal Botanic Gardens in the workplace or changes the duties should be made. of a whistleblower due to the making ofadisclosure. Person who is the subject of the disclosure Person/body to whom the disclosure A person threatens, abuses or carries must be made out other forms of harassment directly or indirectly against the whistleblower, Employee of a public body That public body or the Ombudsman hisorher family or friends. Member of Parliament (Legislative Assembly) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly A public body discriminates against the whistleblower or his or her family and Member of Parliament (Legislative Council) President of the Legislative Council associates in subsequent applications for jobs, permits or tenders. Councillor The Ombudsman

5. The reporting system Chief Commissioner of Police The Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman 5.1 Contactpersonswithinthe Royal Botanic Gardens Member of the police force The Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman or Chief Commissioner of Police Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by the Royal Botanic Gardensoritsemployeesmaybemade to the following ofﬁcer:

– The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator:

Dr Philip Moors Director Royal Botanic Gardens Birdwood Avenue South Yarra Victoria 3141 Ph:92522304 Appendix one (continued)

108 6. Roles and responsibilities 6.3 Protected disclosure co- 6.4 Investigator ordinator 6.1 Employees The investigator will be responsible for The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator carrying out an internal investigation into Employees are encouraged to report has a central ‘clearinghouse’ role in the a disclosure where the Ombudsman has known or suspected incidences of internal reporting system. He or she will: referred a matter to the public body. An improper conduct or detrimental action investigator may be a person from within in accordance with these procedures. – Receive all disclosures forwarded from an organisation or a consultant engaged the protected disclosure officers; All employees of the Royal Botanic for that purpose. Gardens have an important role to play – Receiveallphonecalls,emailsand 6.5 Welfare manager in supporting those who have made lettersfrommembersofthepublic a legitimate disclosure. They must or employees seeking to make a Thewelfaremanagerisresponsiblefor refrainfromanyactivitythatis,orcould disclosure; looking after the general welfare of the be perceived to be, victimisation or whistleblower. The welfare manager will: – Impartiallyassesseachdisclosure harassment of a person who makes to determine whether it is a public – Examine the immediate welfare and a disclosure. Furthermore, they should interest disclosure; protection needs of a whistleblower protect and maintain the confidentiality who has made a disclosure and ofapersontheyknoworsuspectto – Refer all public interest disclosures seek to foster a supportive work have made a disclosure. to the Ombudsman; environment; 6.2 Protected disclosure officers – Be responsible for carrying out, or – Advise the whistleblower of the appointing an investigator to carry out, Protected disclosure officers will: legislative and administrative an investigation referred to the public protections available to him or her; – Beacontactpointforgeneraladvice body by the Ombudsman; about the operation of the Act for any – Listen and respond to any concerns – Be responsible for overseeing and personwishingtomakeadisclosure of harassment, intimidation or co-ordinating an investigation where about improper conduct or detrimental victimisation in reprisal for making an investigator has been appointed; action; disclosure; and – Appoint a welfare manager to support – Make arrangements for a disclosure to – Ensure the expectations of the the whistleblower and to protect him be made privately and discreetly and, whistleblower are realistic. orherfromanyreprisals; if necessary, away from the workplace; 7. Confidentiality – Advise the whistleblower of the – Receiveanydisclosuremadeorallyor progress of an investigation into TheRoyalBotanicGardenswilltake in writing (from internal and external the disclosed matter; all reasonable steps to protect the whistleblowers); identity of the whistleblower. Maintaining – Establish and manage a confidential – Commit to writing any disclosure confidentiality is crucial in ensuring filing system; made orally; reprisals are not made against a – Collate and publish statistics on whistleblower. – Impartially assess the allegation and disclosures made; determine whether it is a disclosure The Act requires any person who receives made in accordance with Part 2 of the – Takeallnecessarystepstoensure information due to the handling or Act (that is, ‘a protected disclosure’); theidentityofthewhistleblowerand investigation of a protected disclosure, the identity of the person who is the not to disclose that information except in – Takeallnecessarystepstoensure subject of the disclosure are kept certain limited circumstances. Disclosure theidentityofthewhistleblowerand confidential; and ofinformationinbreachofsection22 theidentityofthepersonwhoisthe constitutes an offence that is punishable subjectofthedisclosurearekept – Liaise with the chief executive officer by a maximum fine of 60 penalty units confidential; and of the public body. ($6,446) or six months imprisonment – Forward all disclosures and supporting or both. evidence to the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. 109 The circumstances in which a person 8. Collating and publishing 9. Receiving and assessing may disclose information obtained about statistics disclosures a protected disclosure include: The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator 9.1 Has the disclosure been made – Where exercising the functions of will establish a secure register to inaccordancewithPart2of the public body under the Act; record the information required to the Act? be published in the annual report, and – When making a report or Where a disclosure has been received to generally keep account of the status recommendation under the Act; by the Protected Disclosure Officer or by of whistleblower disclosures. The register the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator, – When publishing statistics in the will be confidential and will not record he or she will assess whether the annual report of a public body; and any information that may identify the disclosure has been made in accordance whistleblower. – In criminal proceedings for certain withPart2oftheActandis,therefore, offences in the Act. The register will contain the following a protected disclosure. information: However, the Act prohibits the 9.1.1 Has the disclosure been made inclusion of particulars in any report – The number and types of disclosures to the appropriate person? or recommendation that is likely to lead made to public bodies during the year; to the identification of the whistleblower. For the disclosure to be responded to – The number of disclosures referred The Act also prohibits the identification by the Royal Botanic Gardens, it must to the Ombudsman for determination of the person who is the subject of the concern an employee, member or officer as to whether they are public interest of the Royal Botanic Gardens. If the disclosure in any particulars included Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 disclosures; in an annual report. disclosure concerns an employee, officer – The number and types of disclosed or member of another public body, the The Royal Botanic Gardens will ensure matters referred to the public body by person who has made the disclosure all files, whether paper or electronic, are the Ombudsman for investigation; mustbeadvisedofthecorrectperson kept in a secure room and can only be or body to whom the disclosure should accessed by the Protected Disclosure Co- – The number and types of disclosures be directed. (See the table in 5.2.) If the ordinator, Protected Disclosure Officer, the referredbythepublicbodytothe disclosure has been made anonymously, investigator or welfare manager (in relation Ombudsman for investigation; it should be referred to the Ombudsman. to welfare matters). All printed material will – The number and types of be kept in files that are clearly marked as 9.1.2 Does the disclosure contain the investigations taken over from the a Whistleblower Protection Act matter, and essential elements of a protected public body by the Ombudsman; warn of the criminal penalties that apply to disclosure? any unauthorised divulging of information – Thenumberofrequestsmadeby To be a protected disclosure, a disclosure concerning a protected disclosure. All a whistleblower to the Ombudsman must satisfy the following criteria: electronic files will be produced and stored to take over an investigation by the on a stand-alone computer and be given public body; – Did a natural person (that is, an password protection. Backup files will be individual person rather than a – The number and types of disclosed kept on floppy disc. All materials relevant corporation) make the disclosure? matters that the public body has to an investigation, such as tapes from declined to investigate; – Does the disclosure relate to conduct interviews, will also be stored securely of a public body or public officer acting – The number and types of disclosed with the whistleblower files. in their official capacity? matters that were substantiated upon The Royal Botanic Gardens will not email investigation and the action taken on – Is the alleged conduct either improper documents relevant to a whistleblower completion of the investigation; and conduct or detrimental action taken matter and will ensure all phone calls against a person in reprisal for making – Any recommendations made by and meetings are conducted in private. a protected disclosure? the Ombudsman that relate to the public body. Appendix one (continued)

110 – Does the person making a disclosure WheretheProtectedDisclosureCo- – To consider the information collected have reasonable grounds for believing ordinator concludes that the disclosure and to draw conclusions objectively the alleged conduct has occurred? amounts to a public interest disclosure, and impartially; he or she will: Where a disclosure is assessed to be a – To maintain procedural fairness in the protected disclosure, it is referred to the 1. Notifythepersonwhomadethe treatment of witnesses and the person Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. The disclosure of that conclusion; and who is the subject of the disclosure; and Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator will 2. Refer the disclosure to the – To make recommendations arising determine whether the disclosure is a Ombudsman for formal determination from the conclusions drawn public interest disclosure. astowhetheritisindeedapublic concerning remedial or other Where a disclosure is assessed not interest disclosure. appropriate action. to be a protected disclosure, the matter WheretheProtectedDisclosure 10.2 Termsofreference does not need to be dealt with under Co-ordinator concludes that the the Act. The Protected Disclosure Officer Before commencing an investigation, disclosure is not a public interest will decide how the matter should be the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator disclosure, he or she will: responded to in consultation with the will draw up terms of reference and obtain Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. 1. Notifythepersonwhomadethe authorisation for those terms by the chief disclosure of that conclusion; and executiveofficer.Thetermsofreference 9.2 Is the disclosure a public will set a date by which the investigation interest disclosure? 2. Advise that person that he or she may report is to be concluded, and will request the public body to refer the WheretheProtectedDisclosureOfficer describe the resources available to the disclosure to the Ombudsman for a or Co-ordinator has received a disclosure investigator to complete the investigation formal determination as to whether thathasbeenassessedtobeaprotected within the time set. The Protected the disclosure is a public interest disclosure, the Protected Disclosure Disclosure Co-ordinator may approve, disclosure, and that this request Co-ordinator will determine whether if reasonable, an extension of time must be made within 28 days of the disclosure amounts to a public requested by the investigator. The terms the notification. interest disclosure. This assessment will of reference will require the investigator be made within 45 days of the receipt In either case, the Protected Disclosure to make regular reports to the Protected of the disclosure. Co-ordinator will make the notification Disclosure Co-ordinator who, in turn, andthereferralwithin14daysofthe is to keep the Ombudsman informed Inreachingaconclusionastowhether conclusion being reached by the public of general progress. a protected disclosure is a public interest body. Notification to the whistleblower is disclosure, the Protected Disclosure 10.3 Investigation plan not necessary where the disclosure has Co-ordinator will consider whether the been made anonymously. The investigator will prepare an disclosure shows, or tends to show, that investigation plan for approval by the the public officer to whom the disclosure 10. Investigations Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. The relates: 10.1 Introduction plan will list the issues to be substantiated – Has engaged, is engaging or proposes and describe the avenue of inquiry. It will Where the Ombudsman refers a to engage in improper conduct in his address the following issues: protected disclosure to the Royal Botanic orhercapacityasapublicofficer;or Gardens for investigation, the Protected – What is being alleged? – Has taken, is taking or proposes to Disclosure Co-ordinator will appoint an – What are the possible findings take detrimental action in reprisal investigator to carry out the investigation. or offences? for the making of the protected Theobjectivesofaninvestigationwillbe: disclosure. – What are the facts in issue? – To collate information relating to the – How is the inquiry to be conducted? allegation as quickly as possible. This may involve taking steps to protect or – What resources are required? preserve documents, materials and equipment; 111 At the commencement of the investigation, – All relevant parties to a matter should 10.6 Referral of an investigation the whistleblower should be: be heard and all submissions should to the Ombudsman be considered; – Notified by the investigator that he or The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator she has been appointed to conduct – A decision should not be made until all will make a decision regarding the referral the investigation; reasonableinquirieshavebeenmade; of an investigation to the Ombudsman where, on the advice of the investigator: – Askedtoclarifyanymatters;and – The investigator or any decision maker should not have a personal – The investigation is being obstructed – Provide any additional material he or or direct interest in the matter being by, for example, the non-cooperation she might have. investigated; of key witnesses; or The investigator will be sensitive to the – All proceedings must be carried out – The investigation has revealed conduct whistleblower’s possible fear of reprisals fairly and without bias. Care should be that may constitute a criminal offence. and will be aware of the statutory taken to exclude perceived bias from protections provided to the whistleblower. 10.7 Reporting requirements the process; and 10.4 Natural justice The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator – The investigator must be impartial will ensure the whistleblower is kept Theprinciplesofnaturaljusticewillbe in assessing the credibility of the regularly informed concerning the followedinanyinvestigationofapublic whistleblowers and any witnesses. handling of a protected disclosure interest disclosure. The principles of Where appropriate, conclusions and an investigation. natural justice concern procedural as to credibility should be included Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 fairness and ensure a fair decision is in the investigation report. The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator reachedbyanobjectivedecisionmaker. will report to the Ombudsman about the 10.5 Conduct of the investigation Maintaining procedural fairness protects progress of an investigation. therightsofindividualsandenhances The investigator will make Where the Ombudsman or the public confidence in the process. contemporaneous notes of all whistleblower requests information discussions and phone calls, and TheRoyalBotanicGardenswillhave about the progress of an investigation, all interviews with witnesses will be regard to the following issues in ensuring that information will be provided within taped. All information gathered in an procedural fairness: 28 days of the date of the request. investigation will be stored securely. – Thepersonwhoisthesubjectof Interviews will be conducted in private 11. Action taken after an thedisclosureisentitledtoknow and the investigator will take all investigation the allegations made against him reasonablestepstoprotecttheidentity 11.1 Investigator’s final report or her and must be given the right of the whistleblower. Where disclosure to respond. (This does not mean oftheidentityofthewhistleblowercannot At the conclusion of the investigation, thepersonmustbeadvisedofthe be avoided, due to the nature of the the investigator will submit a written allegation as soon as the disclosure allegations, the investigator will warn report of his or her findings to the is received or the investigation has the whistleblower and his or her welfare Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator. commenced); manager of this probability. The report will contain:

– If the investigator is contemplating It is in the discretion of the investigator – The allegation/s; makingareportadversetothe to allow any witness to have legal or – An account of all relevant information interestsofanyperson,thatperson other representation or support during received and, if the investigator has should be given the opportunity to an interview. If a witness has a special rejected evidence as being unreliable, put forward further material that may need for legal representation or support, the reasons for this opinion being inﬂuence the outcome of the report permission should be granted. formed; and that person’s defence should be fairly set out in the report; – The conclusions reached and the basis for them; and

– Any recommendations arising from the conclusions. Appendix one (continued)

112 Where the investigator has found that the 11.2 Action to be taken The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator conduct disclosed by the whistleblower will appoint a welfare manager to If the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator has occurred, recommendations made all whistleblowers who have made is satisfied that the investigation has by the investigator will include: a protected disclosure. The welfare found that the disclosed conduct has manager will: – The steps that need to be taken by the occurred, he or she will recommend to RoyalBotanicGardenstopreventthe the chief executive officer the action that – Examine the immediate welfare and conduct from continuing or occurring must be taken to prevent the conduct protection needs of a whistleblower in the future; and from continuing or occurring in the future. who has made a disclosure and, The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator wherethewhistleblowerisan – Any action that should be taken by may also recommend that action be taken employee, seek to foster a supportive the Royal Botanic Gardens to remedy to remedy any harm or loss arising from work environment; any harm or loss arising from the the conduct. conduct. This action may include – Advise the whistleblower of the bringing disciplinary proceedings The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator legislative and administrative against the person responsible for will provide a written report setting out protections available to him or her; the conduct, and referring the matter the findings of the investigation and any – Listen and respond to any concerns to an appropriate authority for further remedial steps taken to the Ombudsman, of harassment, intimidation or consideration. the whistleblower and the responsible victimisation in reprisal for making Minister, the Hon John Thwaites MP, The report will be accompanied by: disclosure; Minister for Environment. – The transcript or other record of any – Keep a contemporaneous record Where the investigation concludes that oral evidence taken, including tape of all aspects of the case management the disclosed conduct did not occur, the recordings; and of the whistleblower including all Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator will contact and follow-up action; and – All documents, statements or other report these findings to the Ombudsman exhibits received by the officer and and to the whistleblower. – Ensure the expectations of the accepted as evidence during the whistleblower are realistic. 12. Managing the welfare course of the investigation. of the whistleblower All employees will be advised that Where the investigator’s report is to it is an offence for a person to take includeanadversecommentagainst 12.1 Commitment to protecting detrimental action in reprisal for a any person, that person will be given whistleblowers protected disclosure. The maximum the opportunity to respond and his or TheRoyalBotanicGardensis penalty is a fine of 240 penalty units her defence will be fairly included in committed to the protection of genuine ($25,783) or two years imprisonment the report. whistleblowers against detrimental or both. The taking of detrimental action in breach of this provision can also be The report will not disclose particulars action taken in reprisal for the making grounds for making a disclosure under likely to lead to the identification of the of protected disclosures. The Protected the Act and can result in an investigation. whistleblower. Disclosure Co-ordinator is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected Detrimental action includes: from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the – Causing injury, loss or damage; workplace is supportive of protected – Intimidation or harassment; and disclosures being made. – Discrimination, disadvantage or adverse treatment in relation to a person’s employment, career, profession, trade or business (including the taking of disciplinary action). 113 12.2 Keeping the whistleblower The taking of detrimental action in Thechiefexecutiveofficerwillmake informed reprisal for the making of a disclosure thefinaldecisionontheadviceofthe canbeanoffenceagainsttheActas Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator as The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator well as grounds for making a further to whether disciplinary or other action willensurethewhistlebloweriskept disclosure. Where such detrimental action will be taken against a whistleblower. informed of action taken in relation is reported, the Protected Disclosure Where disciplinary or other action to his or her disclosure, and the time Co-ordinator will assess the report as relates to conduct that is the subject frames that apply. The whistleblower a new disclosure under the Act. Where of the whistleblower’s disclosure, the will be informed of the objectives of the Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator disciplinary or other action will only be an investigation, the findings of an is satisfied that the disclosure is a public taken after the disclosed matter has investigation, and the steps taken by the interest disclosure, he or she will refer it been appropriately dealt with. RoyalBotanicGardenstoaddressany to the Ombudsman. If the Ombudsman improper conduct that has been found In all cases where disciplinary or other subsequently determines the matter to have occurred. The whistleblower will action is being contemplated, the chief to be a public interest disclosure, the be given reasons for decisions made by executiveofficermustbesatisfiedthat Ombudsman may investigate the matter the Royal Botanic Gardens in relation to it has been clearly demonstrated that: or refer it to another body for investigation a protected disclosure. All communication as outlined in the Act. – The intention to proceed with with the whistleblower will be in disciplinary action is not causally plain English. 12.4 Whistleblowers implicated connected to the making of the in improper conduct 12.3 Occurrence of detrimental action disclosure (as opposed to the content Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Annual Report 2005–06 Where a person who makes a disclosure of the disclosure or other available If a whistleblower reports an incident is implicated in misconduct, the Royal information); of harassment, discrimination or Botanic Gardens will handle the adverse treatment that would amount – There are good and sufficient grounds disclosure and protect the whistleblower to detrimental action taken in reprisal that would fully justify action against from reprisals in accordance with the for the making of the disclosure, the any non-whistleblower in the same Act, the Ombudsman’s guidelines and welfare manager will: circumstances; and these procedures. The Royal Botanic – Record details of the incident; Gardens acknowledges that the act – There are good and sufficient grounds of whistleblowing should not shield that justify exercising any discretion to – Advise the whistleblower of his or her whistleblowers from the reasonable institute disciplinary or other action. rights under the Act; and consequences flowing from any The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator – Advise the Protected Disclosure involvement in improper conduct. Section will thoroughly document the process Co-ordinator or chief executive officer 17 of the Act specifically provides that a including recording the reasons why of the detrimental action. person’s liability for his or her own conduct the disciplinary or other action is being is not affected by the person’s disclosure taken,andthereasonswhytheaction of that conduct under the Act. However, in is not in retribution for the making of the some circumstances, an admission may disclosure. The Protected Disclosure be a mitigating factor when considering Co-ordinator will clearly advise the disciplinary or other action. whistleblower of the proposed action to be taken, and of any mitigating factors that have been taken into account. Appendix one (continued)

114 13. Management of the person The Royal Botanic Gardens will give its 15. Review against whom a disclosure full support to a person who is the subject These procedures will be reviewed has been made of a disclosure where the allegations annually to ensure they meet the contained in a disclosure are clearly The Royal Botanic Gardens recognises objectives of the Act and accord wrong or unsubstantiated. If the matter that employees against whom disclosures with the Ombudsman’s guidelines. has been publicly disclosed, the chief aremademustalsobesupported executiveofficeroftheRoyalBotanic during the handling and investigation of Gardens will consider any request by disclosures. The Royal Botanic Gardens that person to issue a statement of will take all reasonable steps to ensure support setting out that the allegations the confidentiality of the person who is were clearly wrong or unsubstantiated. the subject of the disclosure during the assessment and investigation process. 14. Criminal offences Where investigations do not substantiate The Royal Botanic Gardens will ensure disclosures, the fact that the investigation officers appointed to handle protected hasbeencarriedout,theresultsof disclosures and all other employees are the investigation, and the identity of aware of the following offences created the person who is the subject of the by the Act: disclosure will remain confidential. 1. It is an offence for a person to take The Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator detrimental action against a person will ensure the person who is the subject in reprisal for a protected disclosure of any disclosure investigated by or on being made. The Act provides a behalf of a public body is: maximum penalty of a fine of 240 – Informed as to the substance of penalty units ($25,783) or two years the allegations; imprisonment or both.

– Given the opportunity to answer 2. It is an offence for a person to divulge the allegations before a ﬁnal decision information obtained as a result of the is made; handling or investigation of a protected disclosure without legislative authority. – Informed as to the substance of The Act provides a maximum penalty any adverse comment that may be of 60 penalty units ($6,446) or six included in any report arising from months imprisonment or both. the investigation; and has 3. It is an offence for a person to obstruct – His or her defence set out fairly the Ombudsman in performing his in any report. responsibilities under the Act. The Act Where the allegations in a disclosure provides a maximum penalty of 240 have been investigated, and the person penalty units ($25,783) or two years whoisthesubjectofthedisclosure imprisonment or both. is aware of the allegations or the fact 4. It is an offence for a person to of the investigation, the Protected knowingly provide false information Disclosure Co-ordinator will formally under the Act with the intention that advise the person who is the subject itbeactedonasadisclosedmatter. of the disclosure of the outcome of The Act provides a maximum penalty the investigation. of 240 penalty units ($25,783) or two years imprisonment or both.

ISSN 1320-842X © Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne 2006 Connecting people with plants Annual Report 2005–06 Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria Contents

1 Our role 2 Raising awareness of the importance of plant life 4 Using excellent research 6 Managing landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources

8 Our friends and volunteers Definitions 10 Our supporters The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria 13 Financial results for 2005–06 is responsible to the Minister for Environment.

Complete Annual Report The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria administers the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the National Herbarium of Victoria, the State Botanical Collection and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology. The patron of the Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria is Dame Elisabeth Our Vision Murdoch AC DBE, a valued supporter for To be one of the world’s outstanding botanic gardens. many years. Throughout this document the organisation will be referred to as follows: Our Mission Australian Garden – refers to the Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne To advance knowledge, enjoyment and conservation of plants through excellence in biodiversity research and management, horticultural Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria displays and educational programs. – refers to the body responsible for corporate governance Our Values Royal Botanic Gardens – refers to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the whole In all our dealings with Government, our sponsors, our staff and organisation, including the sites at South Yarra volunteers, visitors and clients, we commit to integrity, respect, team and Cranbourne, the National Herbarium of work, accountability, excellence and innovation. Victoria, the State Botanical Collection and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology

Our Charter RBG Melbourne – refers to the site at South Yarra Under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991, the objectives of the organisation are: RBG Cranbourne – refers to the site at Cranbourne To conserve, protect and improve the botanic gardens and managed land and their collections of living plants Herbarium – refers to the National Herbarium of Victoria and the State Botanical Collection To conserve and enhance the State Botanical Collection at RBG Melbourne and National Herbarium of Victoria ARCUE – refers to the Australian Research To provide for the use of the State Botanical Collection or Centre for Urban Ecology, whose office is plants or plant specimens at the botanic gardens or managed located at The University of Melbourne. land for scientific or reference purposes, consistent with accepted international practice Cover image Thysanotus multiflorus, Many-flowered To increase public knowledge and awareness of plants and plant Fringe-lily. Planted in the Box Garden in the communities Eucalypt Walk of the Australian Garden, this To provide for the use of the botanic gardens for education, public plant from south-west Western Australia needs enjoyment and tourism a good sunny day to encourage the beautiful display of fringed, pale purple flowers to be To provide for the carrying out of and contribution to research exhibited at their best, but even on cloudy days into biodiversity and the conservation of biodiversity. the sculptured flower buds are eye catching. Flowers in late spring/early summer.

Photography – Janusz Molinski Our role

1 The Royal Botanic Gardens plays a leading role in the conservation of plants. This role is fulfilled through biodiversity research, conservation programs to protect rare and endangered plants, and the study of habitats. Education and visitor programs about the importance of plants to life on earth support the Gardens’ conservation work.

Escarpment Wall, Australian Garden: designed by Greg Clark

The Royal Botanic Gardens Board Victoria The Superintendent of Port Phillip, In the spirit of collaboration, scientists administers two gardens: 363 hectares Charles La Trobe, founded RBG from both the Herbarium and ARCUE of remnant bushland and wetland at RBG Melbourne in 1846. Today more than work with government land managers Cranbourne; and 38 hectares of heritage 50,000 plants, representing 12,000 and other research organisations to further landscapes at RBG Melbourne. The Board species from all over the world, fill the conservation of plant biodiversity. also administers the National Herbarium the beautiful landscapes of RBG Under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act of Victoria, renowned for its research into Melbourne. Loved by many Melburnians, 1991 the Board is required to establish a plant systematics, taxonomy, horticulture visitorsenjoythelushgreenvistasand corporate plan that outlines the strategies and conservation research. The other horticultural displays. Visitors can also that the Royal Botanic Gardens will carry scientific arm of the Royal Botanic Gardens participate in guided tours or learn more out to fulfill its charter. A new corporate is the Australian Research Centre for Urban about the world of plants from interpretive planfortheperiod2005–08–Connecting Ecology (ARCUE) whose role is to advance displays. The award-winning Gardens people with plants – identifies goals for the knowledge and understanding of the Shop adds to the enjoyment of the visit. Royal Botanic Gardens for the next three ecology, restoration and management of The National Herbarium of Victoria years. These goals are: isolated natural habitats within urban areas. was founded in 1853. Scientists at the – enhancing on-site experiences and In 1991, the State Government of Victoria Herbarium are involved in significant providing programs for a broader established the Royal Botanic Gardens conservation work, such as the spectrum of our community Board Victoria as an independent statutory Orchid Conservation Program and the reintroduction of the critically endangered authority by passing the Royal Botanic – increasing the vigour and Pincushion Lily Borya mirabilis to the wild. Gardens Act 1991. strengthening the focus and utilisation They also study the lesser known fungi of scientific research In1970,asaresultofthevisionofthe kingdom, helping us to understand the role Maud Gibson Trust, the State Government of fungi in the cycle of life. The Herbarium – delivering effective and sustainable established RBG Cranbourne. This site houses the State Botanical Collection, an management of landscapes and plant includes some of the most important irreplaceable botanic resource of over one collections, built assets and resources. remnant bushland and wetlands in the million dried specimens of plants, fungi and Staff at the Royal Botanic Gardens Western Port and Melbourne region. To algae from Australia and around the world. are proud of their achievements in plant complement the bushland experience a The State Botanical Collection is one of the biodiversity, research and conservation, beautiful new garden has been created most historically significant in the world, and of their management of the natural and on an old sand-mine, within the bounds also includes a rich collection of botanical heritage landscapes they are vested of RBG Cranbourne. Designed by Taylor books, manuscripts and works of art. with,andlastlyoftheireffortstoshare Cullity Lethlean with Paul Thompson, The Royal Botanic Gardens established and communicate this passion for plants and known as the Australian Garden, it ARCUE in 1998. Since then, scientists and place with the many people who showcases the remarkable plant life and at ARCUE have conducted innovative overthecourseofayearvisittheRoyal diverse habitats of this continent in an area studies to help us understand the status Botanic Gardens – at both South Yarra eventually covering about 22 hectares. The of natural habitats within urban areas, as and Cranbourne. This report summarises first 11 hectares of the Australian Garden well as contributing to management plans the achievements for the year 2005–06. openedon28May2006.Interpretive for those habitats. ARCUE’s research displays, education and visitor programs, includes animals as well as plants, so and a visitor centre that includes a café and that knowledge about an entire habitat agiftshopsupportvisitors’experiences. can be developed. Raising awareness of the importance of plant life

2 Each year the Royal Botanic Gardens welcomes a diverse community of people through its gates – and this year was no exception. New education and visitor programs at RBG Cranbourne and RBG Melbourne, the further development of electronic communications, and industry recognition for its work ensured that the Royal Botanic Gardens lived up to its community engagement commitment of ‘connecting people with plants’.

Sharing their passion and knowledge The work of staff at the Herbarium of gardening and teaching people how continued to contribute to greater to‘gettheirhandsdirty’isallpartofa understanding of plants in both the day’s work for RBG Cranbourne’s new general and scientific communities. Volunteer Master Gardeners (VMGs). Data mapping of Australian plant This innovative new program – the first distribution conducted by Australia’s of its kind in Australia – saw twenty-five VirtualHerbariumteamwasused passionate home gardeners trained by interpretations staff at RBG in presentation and horticultural skills Cranbourne to create accurate plant as part of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ signs indicating the distribution of commitment to life-long learning. The plants throughout Australia. VMGs are now on duty each day at the The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Senior Australian Garden, sharing with visitors Horticultural Botanist, Dr Roger Spencer, their expert knowledge of Australian achieved a 10-year milestone with the plants and home gardening. publication, by the University of New This year saw a greater use of electronic South Wales Press, of the final volume publishing to promote public programs at of the Horticultural Flora of South- the Royal Botanic Gardens and to increase eastern Australia. The collections of the awareness about the opening of the first RoyalBotanicGardens–thelivingand stage of the Australian Garden. The email dried plant collections, and the library distribution of news@RBG to promote collections – were a great resource to activities at both RBG Melbourne and Dr Spencer in achieving this five-volume RBG Cranbourne, and the emailing of identification guide to the cultivated e–cards – electronic postcards – providing plants of south-eastern Australia. The evocative glimpses of the Australian guideprovidesgardeners,studentsand Garden prior to opening, proved most the horticultural industry with detailed effective.MarketingoftheAustralian information on the botany and cultivation Garden also reached out to international of both native and exotic garden plants. audiences with advertising on the Tourism Australia website and the production of a podcast that can be downloaded from the Royal Botanic Gardens’ website, which allows people to take a virtual tour of the Australian Garden hearing directly from members of staff and the designers.

Nursery staff at RBG Cranbourne propagated almost 100,000 plants for Stage One of the Australian Garden. 3 At a glance: The Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Steve Bracks MP, cuts – Over 31,000 students participated the ribbon at the opening of the in education programs at RBG Australian Garden in May 2006. Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne, including students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School who participated in a new Garden Mentor program in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden (Children’s Garden).

– Students from 15 underprivileged Open days at the Gardens schools visited RBG Melbourne as part – the Australian Garden and Spring Open Day of a program of free bus travel funded by Alec Prentice Sewell Gifts. Two single days in the life of the Royal Botanic Gardens in the past twelve – Wilams not Wigwams and A Shared months confirmed Melburnians’ enthusiasm for the Gardens. Country at RBG Cranbourne and the Spring Open Day at RBG Melbourne saw 6,000 people enjoying the gardens review of the Aboriginal Resource Trail, and participating in a range of Behind the Scenes tours of the Nursery and the incorporating Indigenous vocabulary, Herbarium, attending the Growing Friends plant sale and generally enjoying at RBG Melbourne were among public the festive atmosphere at the Gardens. programs designed to achieve a greater understanding of Indigenous culture. On Sunday, 28 May, around 10,000 people celebrated the opening of the first 11 hectares of the Australian Garden at RBG Cranbourne – one of the most – Royal Botanic Gardens’ Senior important events in the 160-year history of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Mycologist, Dr Tom May, edited a special issue of Australasian After nine years in the planning and three in construction and planting, the Plant Conservation, the bulletin Australian Garden was declared open by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Steve of the Australian Network for Bracks MP, and ‘awakened’ with a performance by the Bunjil Indigenous Dance Plant Conservation, which Group. Thousands of people streamed into the Garden once the formalities were focussed on The Forgotten over to discover the amazing world of Australian plants and landscapes recreated Flora Remembered project. in Victoria’s newest botanic garden. This enthusiastic response to the opening of the Australian Garden has continued, with a steady flow of visitors to the Garden in its first month of operation.

Overall, 1,239,000 people visited RBG Melbourne and another 38,000 people visited RBG Cranbourne during the year – connecting many thousands of people with the diverse plants and landscapes of both gardens.

Industry and community recognition

TheRoyalBotanicGardenswas The Gardens Shop at RBG Melbourne These annual awards salute the tourism recognised again this year in winning was named the best tourism operator industry’s leading operators, businesses awards for excellence in the Melbourne in its ﬁeld, winning the Tourism Retailing and individuals and give the industry an Airport 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards, category of the awards for the second essential boost, reinforcing the enormous and in being named joint winner of the year in a row. In the same awards, The valueoftourismtothecommunity, City of Melbourne Living City Award. Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden highlighting the great experiences on offer was named the best tourism operator across the State and recognising the hard in its ﬁeld, winning the New Tourism work of tourism operators. Development category. Using excellent research

4 The Royal Botanic Gardens plays a vital role in documenting plant biodiversity in Victoria and provides valuable support to Government in conserving threatened species and ecosystems and in the identification of plants.

In August 2005 the Royal Botanic extinction. The project is a partnership Herbarium scientists continued to work Gardens’ Victorian Conservation of the Department of Sustainability and on the recovery teams for the threatened Seedbank (VCS) became a partner in the Environment Victoria, Royal Botanic plants Borya mirabilis and Pimelea Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s (RBG Kew) Gardens Melbourne, Australasian Native spinescens,aswellascontributingto international program, the Millennium Orchid Society Victorian group, Parks the conservation efforts for the Helmeted Seed Bank Project (MSBP). The MSBP Victoria, Melbourne Zoo, The University Honeyeater. Research, undertaken by is a collaborative project aimed at of Melbourne, Victoria University and scientists at ARCUE, which examined safeguarding thousands of the world’s RMIT University, backed by a network of native grasslands was used in State plant species from extinction. Scientists over 40 agencies and community groups Government management plans for fromtheNationalHerbariumofVictoria across Victoria, interstate and overseas. those areas. will target those Victorian species for At RBG Cranbourne, the five Exhibition A Weed Strategic Plan has been whichseed-bankinghasbeenidentified Gardens in the Australian Garden provide developed for the management of as a critical conservation action. The visitors with an opportunity to learn about plants at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Herbarium has committed to provide the environmentally sustainable gardening with a focus on the plants already seed of 100 species per year until 2010 practices, including garden design and within the Gardens, as well as those to RBG Kew’s Seed Bank. In 2005–06 the selection of plants that require minimal being brought in. A key aspect of the the VCS conducted 28 field trips and water. Guided tours, Volunteer Master plan is the development of the Weed despatched173seedlotstoRBGKew. Gardener talks and printed interpretation Risk Assessment Procedure, which In June 2006 the project Back from the materials enable the Royal Botanic will give the Royal Botanic Gardens a brink: Saving Victoria’s threatened orchids Gardens to disseminate information tool to assess the potential ‘weediness’ was named a finalist in the prestigious acquired through its scientific research. ofplants.TheWeedRiskAssessment national Banksia Environmental Awards. Procedure is being developed in Biodiversity research in the bushland The Victorian threatened orchid recovery conjunction with the Australian Weed at RBG Cranbourne has focussed on projectaimstorestoreoneoftheworld’s Management Cooperative Research surveying the distribution of rare species great temperate terrestrial orchid floras Centre and the Australian Botanic such as the Swamp Skink (Egernia of which over one-half of the known Gardens Weed Network. Plants selected coventryi ), the Naked Sun Orchid 380 species are threatened. The project for the Australian Garden were assessed (Thelymitra circumsepta)andCorrea covered 80 species of highly threatened for weedy characteristics. Some species reflexa var. lobata; tracking changes to orchids, protected over 150 populations identified as posing a threat to the the diversity of bird life; and exploring the of 50 threatened species, and saved biodiversity of the surrounding bushland relationship between Southern Brown four critically endangered orchids from were removed from the plant list and Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus)numbers alternative plants were chosen. and the density of the European Red Fox population. 5

Preparing seeds for storage at the Comesperma volubile, Love Creeper: this stunning climbing plant is indigenous Victorian Conservation Seedbank. to Cranbourne and grows naturally in heathlands across much of Australia.

Both the Herbarium and ARCUE The Chief Botanist collaborated with a wide range of organisations and academic institutions. On 9 December 2005 Professor Jim Ross FLS retired from his position as These partnerships ranged from sharing Chief Botanist and Divisional Director, Plant Sciences and Biodiversity (PS&B). scientiﬁc expertise to applying knowledge In his thirty years at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Professor Ross oversaw to the management of rare species. a rejuvenation of research programs and greatly improved the curation of Many donations of collections add to the botanic collections. Professor Ross is held in the highest regard by staff the holdings of the National Herbarium of throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens. Victoria. One recent signiﬁcant donation Dr David Cantrill took up his appointment as Chief Botanist and Divisional is The J.G. & M.H. Simmons Acacia Director, PS&B in June 2006. Originally from Melbourne, Dr Cantrill was Collection.In2005MarionSimmonsand a senior scientist in the Department of Palaeobotany (fossil plants) in the her husband John donated to the National Swedish Natural History Museum in Stockholm. He has previously worked at Herbarium of Victoria approximately the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge and has undertaken extended fossil 6,500 specimens, of which more than plant research in Antarctica. 5,800 were Acacias. Their donation also included 11 metres of collecting books, Dr Cantrill’s experience and strong research record will bring new opportunities correspondence, photographs and for plant sciences research and collections management at the Royal Marion’s original drawings, all of which are Botanic Gardens. now in the Royal Botanic Gardens Library.

At a glance: – 173seedlotsweresenttoRBGKew’s – ARCUE undertook research on native – The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Weed Millennium Seed Bank Project, which grasslands,whichisanendangered Working Group monitored progress aims to safeguard thousands of the ecological community under State of the Weed Strategic Plan and world’splantsfromextinction. and Federal legislation. This research worked with the Weed Council of provided input into the management Australia and Biosecurity Australia – The Victorian threatened orchid plans and planning processes in the development of an updated recovery project has saved four of government. national weed strategy and review critically endangered orchids of permitted plant entries. from extinction. Managing landscapes and plant collections, built assets and resources

6 As custodians of a rich cultural and botanical heritage in the living collections, the State Botanical Collection at RBG Melbourne, and the new Australian Garden and remnant vegetation at RBG Cranbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens is committed to responsible and sustainable management of its landscapes and resources.

After five years of painstaking work Environmentally Sustainable Design entering 446,041 records of specimens (ESD) principles continued to inform into the national database, the Royal the design and development of building Botanic Gardens’ contribution to projects at both RBG Cranbourne and Australia’s Virtual Herbarium (AVH) came RBG Melbourne. At RBG Melbourne, to a close at the end of June. In its final five new public toilet blocks, constructed year of work, the AVH team accounted at convenient sites in the Gardens, were for the entry of 13,000 Australian Type designed to blend in with the landscape. specimens for 157 vascular, 36 fern As well, toilet facilities at the Visitor and 13 hepatic families; the editing and Centre were extended to cater for the curation of Australian lichens, hepatics large number of visitors to The Ian Potter and the R.A. Bastow Australian bryophtye Foundation Children’s Garden. These collection; and entering and incorporating very practical developments will provide into the State Botanical Collection the improved facilities for the many visitors J.G. & M.H. Simmons Acacia collection. to the Gardens. The AVH project was part of a national Two new assets were also completed effort by the major herbaria to ensure that in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Australia’s unique and invaluable botanical Garden during the 2005 winter closure, records will be preserved for the future. a two-month period that gives the With completion of work on the ‘virtual’ Children’s Garden time to rest from the herbarium, space for and care of the enthusiastic forays of its many thousands Herbarium’s actual collections remain of small visitors and allows time for a priority. The Royal Botanic Gardens essential maintenance and building work. joined with other cultural institutions this TheTreeTowerandtheActivityShelter, year in seeking funding support from the which was designed to allow rainwater Victorian Government for future storage runoff onto garden beds minimising the of cultural collections. The development need for regular irrigation, have added and implementation of pest management popular play and education areas to measures continued, and a trial utilising the Children’s Garden. insect traps was also undertaken. Data from this trial will assist with the developmentofeffectivestrategiesfor safeguarding these valuable botanical collections.

Australia’s Virtual Herbarium: staff entered data on almost 450,000 plant specimens held at the Herbarium during the ﬁve years of the project. 7 At a glance: – $5.4 million in non-government fundswereraisedbytheRoyal Botanic Gardens Development Branch working with the Australian Garden The Red Sand Garden is a central feature of the new Australian Garden Fundraising Committee. at RBG Cranbourne. – 3,081 books, pamphlets and original artworks were added to the Library collections. – 3,260 items of original artwork Recognition for a unique garden were catalogued.

– 27,546 specimens were loaned or As the opening of the first 11 hectares of the Australian Garden (Stage One) exchanged and 18,227 specimens drew closer, Royal Botanic Gardens’ staff joined their RBG Cranbourne were mounted. colleagues and volunteers to ensure that the garden was looking its best on opening day: weeding, planting, setting out plant labels, and moving rocks – The Living Collections Management wereallpartofaday’sworkintheAustralianGardenatRBGCranbourne. Plan (at RBG Melbourne) was reviewed and completed. And while the finishing touches were being put in place, recognition for excellence of the design of the first stage of the Australian Garden project was – RBG Melbourne was named as a not slow in coming. In May, the new Australian Garden was awarded four prizes finalist in the ‘garden management’ in the South East Development Architectural Awards. The awards recognised category of the prestigious annual the Australian Garden for Best Public Open Space; the new Visitor Centre, ® savewater! awards . designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, for Best Public Building; and the Future Garden, designed by Site Office and one of the five exhibition gardens, for Best Environmental Building or Landscape. The overall project was also awarded the Chairman’s Premier Award.

With Stage One of the Australian Garden now complete and the Garden open to an enthusiastic public seven days a week, work has turned towards the development of Stage Two with the review of concept masterplans and the preparation of a business case, the development of design concepts for the Family Recreation Zone and concept plans for stage two of the Visitor Centre. Our friends and volunteers

8 The Royal Botanic Gardens enjoys the support of several groups, who provide both financial support and valuable voluntary work. Members of these groups work tirelessly to raise funds for Royal Botanic Gardens projects, as well as leading guided walks, assisting in curation of the State Botanical Collection and many other activities.

Both the Friends of Royal Botanic The Herbarium Volunteers provided Gardens Cranbourne (FRBGC) and more than 4,000 hours of time, including the Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens German-English translation, work on the Melbourne (FRBGM) enjoyed increases Library databases, input of records for the in their membership numbers this year. Fungimap project, curation of Australian algae, mounting recently collected The FRBGC purchased a relocatable specimens for the State Botanical building for RBG Cranbourne. Named Collection, adding 15,620 specimens to the Eucalyptus Room, the provision the State Botanical Collection and curation of this building has eased some of the of the Sonder Lichen collection. pressure on meeting rooms within the crowded buildings at RBG Cranbourne. The 47 Voluntary Guides at RBG Melbourne gave 4,009 hours of their At RBG Melbourne the Friends provided time leading walks and presenting to grants totalling $41,000, which included groups. Other visitor programs at The Ian $35,000 for the Water Works, Water Wise Potter Foundation Children’s Garden were project for the irrigation of the Vireya Bed. supported by the nine volunteers who Support for this project is invaluable in gave 936 hours of their time. assisting RBG Melbourne to improve the management of irrigation water. At RBG Cranbourne volunteers helped plant within the Australian Garden and The Growing Friends group at Melbourne led pre-opening familiarisation tours. raised $52,405 from their two plant sales. Our newest group of volunteers, the At Cranbourne, the Growing Friends grew Volunteer Master Gardeners, has enabled plantsforsale,aswellasforplanting us to share information about sustainable within RBG Cranbourne. home gardening practices with visitors OthergrantscamefromtheMaud to the Exhibition Gardens within the GibsonTrust,whichprovidedagrantof Australian Garden. $15,000 for research entitled ‘Resolving The programs offered by the Plant Craft the classiﬁcation and evolutionary Cottage continue to be very popular, history of the eucalypts’ and $24,950 especially during school holidays. The for the conversion of a darkroom to FRBGM continued to offer their popular a plant sciences laboratory. The Plant Botanical Illustration classes. The Botanical Craft Cottage also provided a grant Illustrators mounted an exhibition of original of $10,000 to RBG Melbourne. paintings of the Oaks of RBG Melbourne. At RBG Cranbourne the Press Gang continued to collect, press and mount the plants which occur there.

Volunteer Master Gardeners provide ‘tips’ to visitors to the Australian Garden. 9

At a glance: Our friends

– FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens Cranbourne Inc.

– FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens, Melbourne Inc.

– TheMaudGibsonTrust

– Plant Craft Cottage

– Herbarium Volunteers

– Voluntary Guides

– The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden Volunteers

– Iris Society of Victoria

Ficus macrophylla, Moreton Bay Fig, overlooking Long Island, RBG Melbourne. Our supporters

10 The Royal Botanic Gardens continued to benefit from the generosity of our supporters in 2005–06 and we are most grateful for the loyalty and financial commitment that our supporters have shown to the Gardens in the past twelve months.

The financial support received by As well as major projects, support the Royal Botanic Gardens remains from donors has also been directed to anessentialfactorinstrengtheningour anumberofotherprojectsandactivities. financial resources and allowing us to The‘SponsoraSeat’programwas complete a range of innovative projects. successfully extended to the Australian Both the Australian Garden and The Ian Garden.Ourwaterconservationefforts Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, continued to be supported through which saw the completion this year of donations for a Hydraulic Model to the Tree Tower and the Activity Shelter assist staff in refining the effectiveness with donor support, have benefited greatly of the Automatic Irrigation System from this financial backing. The extent of and for carrying out a Water Audit of this support is highlighted by RBG staff RBG Melbourne as part of our water and the Australian Garden Fundraising saving program. Other programs to Committee successfully raising a total benefit included the development of $5.4 million for Stage One of the of new environmental education and Australian Garden. visitor experiences at both Gardens; continuing assistance with the curation and preservation of the State Botanical Collection; continued support of the National Herbarium of Victoria’s scientific research and conservation programs; and building upon ARCUE’s growing body of ecological research.

The Future Garden, one of ﬁve Exhibition Gardens, at the Australian Garden. 11

The new Visitor Centre at RBG Cranbourne has been designed along Environmentally Sustainable Development principles: radial sawn timber was used in its construction.

Generous financial support Mountain Ash Community Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Alcoa of Australia Ltd TheRoyalBotanicGardenssincerely thanks the businesses, community The Hugh Williamson Foundation Aussie Blue Mussels groups, individuals, trusts and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Andersen Legal foundations that generously supported John Armstrong Acacia itsworkin2005–06. Philip and Vivien Brass Cybec Foundation Mr Franz Doos The following list records donations to Deutsche Bank theRoyalBotanicGardensof$1,000 Helen M Ferguson FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens andoverinthe2005–06financialyear. Cranbourne Inc. FriendsofWarrandyteStatePark Donors are categorised according to Mrs Jean Hadges John and Norma Gaidzkar donations received in this financial year Brian Little Lesley Griffin and previous donations since 2001. Mr Martyn and Mrs Louise Myer Shirley Hallows Susan Hayes Government Roger and Natalie Peate Hillview Quarries Pty Ltd Arts Victoria DrICRossandMrsMSRossAM Victor Kavals City of Casey Royal Botanic Gardens’ Director’s Circle Maddocks Lawyers Community Support Fund The William Buckland Foundation May Consulting Department of Education and Training Thyne Reid Foundation Teresa Merrigan Department of Environment and Heritage Anonymous (1) Suzanne Morgan Department of Sustainability Banksia and Environment Newmont USA Ltd Australian Daisy Study Group Sustainability Victoria Norman Wettenhall Foundation BlueScope Water Museums Australia Onbass Foundation Bosisto’s John Prescott AC and Jennifer Prescott Benefactor John and Janet Calvert-Jones Mrs Margaret Ricardo FriendsoftheRoyalBotanicGardens, Sir Roderick Carnegie AC Ken Roberts Melbourne Inc. &LadyCarnegie Mrs Lisa Robertson The Baker Foundation ELCO Solutions Pty Ltd SBI Cranbourne Quarries Fiskars (Aust.) Pty Ltd Marion and John Simmons Kirsty Hamilton and Harrison Young The late Robert Simpson Zara M Kimpton Alex Smart Melbourne’s Child Henriette Strain Graeme Morgan Lisa Tracey Post Office Farm Nursery Urban Initiatives Reece Australia Limited Sofia Zitron Brian Snape AM and Diana Snape Anonymous (1) South East Water Trust Company of Australia Anonymous (2) 12 Royal Botanic Gardens Director’s Circle BruceandKerryEchberg Foundation Victoria Brendan and Jan Egan The Director’s Circle is an initiative to Rodger Elliot AM and Mrs Gwen Elliot AM The Foundation was established in attract annual, unrestricted gifts to the DrHelenMFerguson 2001 to receive gifts from the public Royal Botanic Gardens, and to broaden Grant and Penny Fowler and to ensure that they are used to build the community’s understanding of the Gandel Foundation a secure financial base for the Royal Royal Botanic Gardens’ activities. Thank Charles and Cornelia Goode Botanic Gardens. All bequests and other you to the following supporters for their Philip and Louise Goodman donations made to the Foundation are vision and generosity. John and Rosemary Gough Robert and Jan Green invested,andtheincomegenerated Patron Lesley Griffin is made available to the Royal Botanic Dr Philip Moors Andrew and Margaret Grummet Gardens to utilise wherever the funds Sarah Guest canbemostusefullyapplied.The Honorary Supporters Cathy Hains Foundationhasbeenendorsedasan MrLindsayandMrsPaulaFoxandfamily Mrs Maria Jo Herpe income-tax-exempt charitable entity and Acacia Dorothy and Ian Hicks as a tax-deductible gift recipient under Mr Douglas and Mrs Patricia Hocking Tony Berger and Marita Quinn the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Darvell Hutchinson AM Janet Calvert-Jones David and Trudy Kennedy Various initiatives are utilised to attract John Calvert-Jones Craig and Connie Kimberley unrestricted gifts to the Foundation, LeonandJudithGorr Zara M. Kimpton including the Director’s Circle and Kirsty Hamilton and Harrison Young MrandMrsADLapthorne the ‘Sponsor a Seat’ Program in the Michael and Susie Hamson Tom & Marianne Latham gardens at both RBG Melbourne and Ken and Jill Harrison MichaelandDianaLempriere RBG Cranbourne. Donations, Pledges, Graeme and Judy Holt Bill and Virginia Leslie In Memoriams and Bequests are invited Sheryl and Frank Hook PeterLovellandMichaelJan Walter Jona AM and Alwynne Jona OAM from people who wish to invest in the MrFrankMahlabandMrsEveMahlabAO Peter Jopling QC future of the Royal Botanic Gardens, JeffandAnnabelleMarvin David and Deborah Lauritz rather than to support a specific project. Mayne Group Limited Limb Family Foundation Anne and Edward Miller The Foundation wishes to acknowledge Lynton and Susan Morgan Ross and Judith Milne-Pott the generous support of the following Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Dr Jens and Mrs Linde Mohr people in the 2005–06 financial year: Richard Oliver Drs Philip and Debbie Moors John Prescott AC andJenniferPrescott Anonymous (1) MrN&MrsDMorgan DrICRossandMrsMSRossAM Mrs Suzanne Morgan Dr Jan Schapper PeterandBarbaraShearer The Sarah and Baillieu Myer Lady Southey Mr Adrian Turley Family Foundation Anonymous (2) George Pappas Mr Frank van Straten OAM Banksia Jillian Pappas T&CPark MrJGDonaldsonAO David and Judith Adam R&LPearce–Multicrop(Aust)P/L MrsRosemarySimpson Sir David Akers-Jones Lady Potter AC Logan and Jennifer Armstrong John and Barbara Ralph Mr and Mrs John Webb Dorothy Baker Mark and Carolyn Rayner Lionel and Elaine Berkowitz DrSM&MrsMRRichards Marc Besen AO and Eva Besen AO Ken&GailRoche Philip and Vivien Brass Mrs Caroline Searby Sally Browne Mr Richard Searby QC Tony and Jaki Bryant Mrs Anita Simon Peter and Ivanka Canet Rosemary Simpson Elaine Canty & Roy Masters Mr Jack Smorgon AM Alex and Elizabeth Chernov Brian Snape AM and Diana Snape Caroline and Philip Cornish Anne and John Wyld WDTCowan Anonymous (3) Margaret F Darling AM Financial results for 2005–06

Total $ 13 The ﬁnancial overview for 2005–06 is Government funding available in the complete Annual Report 2005–06, on the attached CD. State Government

– Recurrent grant 9,253,000

– Other grants 414,145

Commonwealth Government 364,785

Sponsorship 1,568,370

General revenue 3,515,257

Total expenses (15,149,089)

Operating surplus/(deﬁcit) (33,532)

Complete Annual Report

The information included in this publicationisanoverviewofthe Annual Report for 2005–06. The complete Annual Report 2005–06 isontheattachedCD. Facts, figures and features – or, did you know?

– TheRoyalBotanicGardensBoard – Five different plant communities can – The Australian Garden at RBG Victoria administers the Royal be found within RBG Cranbourne: they Cranbourne – Victoria’s newest botanic Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, are Sedge Wetland, Grassy Woodland, garden – was built on a disused sand Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Heathy Woodland, Wet Heathland, mine. Brown coal has been used to the National Herbarium of Victoria and Swamp Scrub. improve the structure and properties and the Australian Research Centre of soil in the Australian Garden. – The cyclone wire fencing around the forUrbanEcology(ARCUE). perimeterofRBGCranbourneisabout – Sand in the Red Sand Garden at the – Founded in 1853, the National eight kilometres long and is designed Australian Garden, a central feature Herbarium of Victoria is the oldest with a wire ‘skirt’ at the bottom and a of the garden representing the central scientific institution in Victoria. floppy extension at the top to keep out deserts of Australia, was sourced just pest animals such as foxes and rabbits, a few kilometres down the road from – The State Botanical Collection, part as well as domestic cats – that’s eight Cranbourne, at Skye. of the National Herbarium of Victoria, kilometres of rabbit-proof skirt! houses about 1,000,000 pressed – A typical Melbourne home uses about plant specimens. – ARCUE scientists are working in 270,000litresofwaterinoneyearand partnership with organisations such about 35% of this goes on the garden. – Only 30 per cent of the original as VicRoads and the Department of The Water Conservation Garden at vegetation cover present at the time Sustainability and Environment to study RBG Melbourne has been developed of European settlement now survives the response of plants and animals to in partnership with South East Water in Victoria. urban environments, and the effects Ltdtodemonstratewater-conserving – The Victorian Conservation Seedbank of landscape fragmentation on landscapes that maintain colourful attheNationalHerbariumofVictoria ecosystems. and diverse horticultural displays. is working in partnership with the – Over one million people live within 20 Millenium Seed Bank Project at minutes’ drive of the new Australian the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Garden at RBG Cranbourne. tostoreandconserveseedfrom over 400 flowering plant species – There are 100,000 plants, representing throughout Victoria as part of a global over 1,000 species, in Stage One of conservation effort, which aims to the Australian Garden – most of which conserve seeds from 10 per cent or were propagated on-site by RBG 24,000 of the world’s seed-bearing Cranbourne horticultural staff. plants by the year 2010.

Printed on Tudor RP 100% recycled stock. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this paper is contributed to Landcare, assisting in the rehabilitation of ex-landﬁll sites throughout Australia. ISSN 1320-842X © Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne 2006