Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00174:front:0:p107
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025C00174
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 303681–306884

Environment
The Gardens contain elements of cultural significance, remnant vegetation, and sites of geomorphological and geological significance (refer to Figure 109). Part of the Gardens have significant heritage values, and for this reason has been placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Principles
     1.        The identification, conservation and interpretation of sites or elements of cultural or natural significance will take place, and development will be in accordance with the conservation values of those identified sites and elements.
     2.        Development of the Gardens is to conform to relevant Commonwealth and ACT environmental legislation.

Policies
     1.        Sites of cultural significance within the Gardens should be identified and if necessary a cultural resource survey carried out to clarify status before any development occurs.  The sites will not be disturbed.  The opportunity for sites to be available as an educational resource should be investigated.
     2.        In general, remnant forest should be retained and managed for conservation, education and wildlife habitat.  Isolated trees should be retained wherever possible.  Trees which are dead or dying or in the senile phase should be retained if they exhibit habitat value, are not hazardous to the public (or can be rendered safe), and do not unduly detract from the aesthetic appeal of horticultural  displays or occupy growing space better utilised by living specimens.
     3.        Water draining from propagation facilities and standing‑out areas should not be channelled directly to the stormwater system.  Such water is to be retained within the Gardens site in appropriate structures (for example, retention ponds), and/or intercepted on‑site in effluent filters (for example, artificial wetlands). Water retention/interception structures are to be in place before the construction of new development commences, and consideration should be given to their visual integration in the surrounding landscape.
     4.        Sites of geomorphological significance are to be treated as an educational and scientific resource, and maintained in a way which is consistent with these values (for example, minimal disturbance of exposures; periodic removal of colonising plants).  Consideration should be given to interpreting these features through appropriate signage and educational materials.
     5.        Sites of geological significance are to be maintained as an unobscured exposure to preserve the scientific and educational values.  Consideration should be given to interpreting these features through appropriate signage and educational materials.

Building
Whilst buildings within the Gardens are considered to be secondary to plant material, it is important that they have a character and form that acknowledges their function, the site's national significance and their location within the site. Therefore, built form should be sympathetic and planned to assist and complement the landscape structure of the Gardens.

Principles
     1.        Buildings of similar character and function should be grouped generally within the Primary and Secondary Building Zones to create and define