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This Society was founded by
the efforts of Mr John Zwar, OAM, who instigated the concept
of an Arid Lands Botanic Garden for Port Augusta. A Public
Meeting, held on May 1st 1984, resulted in the Inaugural
General Meeting being held on July 26th 1984. The Society
became an Incorporated body on February 27th
1985.
UNIQUE ARID LANDS FLORA
Solanum
Photo H. Weber |
The Arid Lands Flora endemic to Australia provides many thousands
of species of plant life which are unique.
It is essential that such
flora be preserved for future generations. Relatively little
scientific research has so far been undertaken on the flora
of arid Australia, much of which is of world-wide
significance.
This rich and unique
heritage must be conserved for the benefit of our country
and its future inhabitants.
A fine site of more than 200
hectares is reserved for the Australian Arid Lands Botanic
Garden at Port Augusta West. Access is from the Stuart
Highway. The site includes a range of soils and remnant
local native vegetation. The headwaters of Spencer Gulf form
one boundary. There are fine views of the Flinders Ranges,
Spencer Gulf and inland to the Tent Hills.
It is proposed that the
Garden will grow entirely Australian arid zone plants from
as many areas of arid Australia as possible.
Crotalaria cunninghamii
Photo J. Zwar |
OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY are:-
- To foster interest in
the establishment and development of the Australian Arid
Lands Botanic Garden at Port Augusta in South
Australia.
- To raise funds to
augment Government and other funds received to be used
for the development of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic
Garden.
- To promote the
conservation, propagation and cultivation of the
indigenous flora of arid regions of Australia and other
countries of the world.
- To enlighten members of
the public regarding the significance of the flora within
the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden at Port
Augusta.
Donations of AUS$2
and over are Tax Deductible
BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN ARID LANDS BOTANIC GARDEN AT PORT
AUGUSTA
- Conservation of
Australia's unique Arid Lands Flora.
- Scientific research and
experimental work of international standing. (Including
biology, propagation, cultivation, horticultural
development biometeorological data, identification of
species, culture, medicinal and pharmaceutical, food,
nutritional, fodder, fuel, cut and dried flowers and
other decorative material).
- Benefits to agricultural
and pastoral industries (pasture species
etc).
- Educational at all
levels (including tertiary training).
- Advisory Service for
anyone requiring same, including people in the remote
outback, e.g. small townships, railway settlements,
farming, mining and other company settlements,
etc.
- Employment (many and
varied occupations, both directly and Indirectly
associated).
- Tourism. (Ideal location
for unique facility which will benefit the Port Augusta
economy.
- Large-scale seed
exchange throughout the world. (Land regeneration, soil
stabilisation, fodder, fuel).
- Income earning
organisation.
- Passive recreation for
visitors.
- Diversification of
facilities to country region.
- Permanent facility with
on-going development and benefits.
MANAGEMENT AND ACTIVITIES
OF THE SOCIETY
The affairs of the Society
are managed by the officially elected Committee which meets
as required, approximately 3-monthly.
Regular News Releases are
Issued to Members, the Media, Sponsors, and other
appropriate parties including Politicians.
Social functions with
eminent Guest Speakers are Organised from time to time,
along with occasional guided tours of the site.
Contact The Friends of the AALBG:
Telephone: (08) 8641 0711
© 2010 The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
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