Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00636:body:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00636
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 31925–34956

Gardens in relation to Canberra city

Significance of the ANBG
The ANBG is Australia's only national institution to focus solely on Australian plants and related flora. Its collections knowledge base and research are of both national and international significance.
The ANBG's living collection of Australian native plants is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Furthermore, the ANBG makes an important contribution to taxonomy through CANBR, where research programs and collections provide a national focus for botanical data. The ANBG is seen as a centre for horticultural trials and learning in relation to Australia's flora, and makes a valuable contribution to native plant horticulture and display. Staff also provide horticultural expertise in collaborative conservation projects. The ANBG facilitates collaborations with Australia's other leading botanic gardens to enhance their work on Australia's national biodiversity conservation agenda.
The ANBG is an integral component of architect Walter Burley Griffin's vision for Canberra and contributes to the aesthetic quality of the national capital. It is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List as being nationally significant for its unique landscape, environmental character and outstanding examples of landscape design and horticulture using Australian native plants.
There is a key role for the ANBG in reflecting the essence of Australian culture through interpreting its living collection. Since its official opening in 1970 by then Prime Minister John Gorton, the ANBG has challenged prevailing botanic garden design by presenting a bush‑like landscape showcasing Australia's unique plant diversity. The ANBG's establishment has led to a diversification of botanic garden design and focus in Australia from the early colonial gardens displaying introduced plants, to a range of less formally designed botanic gardens specialising in the display of native flora. It has been the inspiration for many Australian regional botanic gardens focusing on their local flora.
The ANBG is a Commonwealth reserve under the EPBC Act and is managed to achieve the purposes for which it was proclaimed.
The ANBG remains an important resource to support Australians' increasing appreciation of their natural heritage and is considered to be of outstanding value to many Australians. This is reflected by the number of visitors to the ANBG and to its website. Strong support is provided by the Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, a community support group with a large active membership.

The ANBG is significant for the following values:
Scientific values
    * The ANBG conducts research into the taxonomy, horticulture and biology of native plant species based on the extensive herbarium collection linked to the living collection.
    * The living collections (plants, seeds and other germplasm), with their national focus, provide a valuable resource for research into conservation and on the impacts of climate change and adaptation of native plants.