Connecting community, conserving flora and celebrating identity is the theme of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority’s 2019-20 annual report which is now available online.
The 2019-20 annual report highlights achievements in delivering visitor experiences, community engagement and our ongoing commitment to research and conservation of Western Australia’s unique biodiversity.
We finalised our Strategic Priorities for the next five years and refreshed our purpose which now underpins the preparation of the new draft five year management plan for Kings Park and Botanic Garden. A public survey in early 2020 generated more than 4,500 responses and confirmed community support for Kings Park as a special place for visitors and its role in conserving the environment.
Other highlights for the year included:
- The centenary of the first Honour Avenues dedication service officiated by the Governor of Western Australia, the Hon Kim Beazley AC.
- The 2019 Kings Park Festival.
- Two new tour experiences.
- Production of more than 43,000 plants by the Kings Park Nursery for garden displays, bushland restoration and other activities.
- Planting and seed collecting in the Kings Park and Bold Park bushlands.
- Publication of 45 research papers on diverse themes such as ecological restoration, pollination, seed storage and germination of a variety of plant species.
BGPA’s focus shifted with the advent of COVID-19 in early 2020, and our staff and volunteers quickly adapted to operational changes. The value of Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Bold Park as places for recreation and well-being was highlighted. Visitation to Bold Park spiked and while play areas in Kings Park were closed, visitors made the most of the parkland areas. The Kings Park Education team responded with the development of new online learning resources through the Kings Park Education Home Delivery project.
The achievements of 2019-20 were made possible through the work of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are supported by the BGPA Board of Management and Minister for Environment.
The annual report is now available on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website. You may also like to browse through the Annual Reports archive.