Flinders Power funds upgrading of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Flinders Power has donated $50,000 to help make Port Augusta’s Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden an even better place to visit.
The money is being used to buy three new drinking fountains and four table-and-chair settings for a new picnic shelter area, as well as to upgrade sections of the boundary fence.
The new facilities have been installed and are ready for use, and the fence work is under way.
Flinders Power CEO Peter Georgaris said the company saw the donation as a practical way to give something back to the community.
“We recognise the important role the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden plays in terms of plant preservation and education and as a contributor to the local economy,” he said.
“We hope our support will further increase its appeal to local, national and international visitors, resulting in more economic growth and development in and around Port Augusta.”
The Botanic Garden already is Port Augusta’s most popular tourist attraction. It received nearly 107,000 visitors in 2017-18 and this is estimated to have brought around $18 million into the city.
Established in 1996, the garden is owned by the Pt Augusta Council but much of its success is due to the work of the volunteer members of the Friends of The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden.
Vice-president of the Friends, Brian Reichelt, said Flinders Power recognised that the garden was an important part of the local community, providing walking trails, a children’s nature play area, a picnic area and a café.
“The garden is recognised worldwide as playing an important role in the preservation of arid zone plant species and teaching both locals and tourists about the value of these plants to our environment,” he said. “We very much welcome this support from Flinders Power and all support that allows us to continue this work.”
Covering 250 hectares, the garden includes many rare plant species in sections dedicated to particular regions of Australia, including the Flinders Ranges, Eyre Peninsula, Central Ranges, the Gawler region and the Great Victoria Desert.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Rann 0418832512