National Arboretum Canberra Infrastructure Master Plan
V4 2016
Note: This is a living document and subject to change. Projects described are conceptual and inclusion in the plan does not imply any commitment to funding, timeframe or scope.
This plan describes only infrastructure projects and does not include consideration of education, research or other programs that may be funded through philanthropic donations.
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Short Term Projects 0 - 5 years
Projects with established funding
Ref
Project
Explanation
Priori
ty
High
Location
Notes
1
Stage 1 landscaping to the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
and Event Garden
Detailed design of pavilion forecourt, landscaping
and event garden; implementation if some
landscaping elements.
Immediate
surrounds of the
Margaret
Whitlam
Pavilion
Funded in 2015-16 as
part of Events Terrace
project. Includes
possible recognition of
Waldron family. Stage 2
not funded- see item 7.
2
Complete landscaping to Events Terrace, including
surfacing pathways, planting and turfing, connection to
services (power, water, lighting)
Improves accessibility and amenity. Connect power
and water to selected focal areas such as event
gardens and amphitheatre in order to facilitate
events and functions. Establish tree avenues and
lighting.
High
Events Terrace
Funded in 2015-16 as
part of Events Terrace
project. Decomposed
granite gravel or asphalt
to be used for walkways.
Site preparation funded
in 2015-16.Two gardens
being funded by
donations for
construction in 2016.
Funding required for
remaining gardens.
Drinking foundations
completed in 2015, Pod
toilet funded in 2015-16
3
Gallery of Gardens – site preparation
Provide a prepared site for the Gallery of Gardens
and seek external funding to construct gardens.
High
Gallery of
Gardens Events Terrace
4
Public amenities at Pod Playground
Development of additional toilet and drinking water
infrastructure at Pod
High
Pod playground
toilet and
drinking water;
Events Terrace
drinking water
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Ref
5
Project
Circuit Terrace trail incorporating lookouts
Explanation
Implement Circuit Trail linking the Village Centre to
Dairys Farmers Hill
Priori
ty
High
Location
Notes
As identified in
Trails Concept
Plan
Completed in spring
2015. Additional trail
works can be rolled out
as funds become
available.
Priori
ty
High
Location
Notes
Gallery of
gardens and
Terrace One
Two gardens funded bny
donors(celebration
Garden and Mununja the
Butterfly garden). Two
additional gardens in final
stages of negotiation with
donors.
Projects for which funding may be sought in the future
Ref
Project
Explanation
6
Gallery of Gardens garden development, Sky Garden
Implement up to 7 gardens based on site
preparation provided in 2015-16. Includes “Sky
Garden’ along the top tier/terrace surrounding the
Village Centre.
7
Landscaping to Margaret Whitlam Pavilion (Stage 2)
Implement stage 2 of the Preliminary Sketch Plan to
create the Event Garden.
Very
High
Events Terrace
Budget bid to be
developed for 2016-17 or
seek philanthropic
funding
Temporary
arrangements in place,
long term solution
required within 3 years
as per NCA advice.
Budget bid to be
developed for 2016-17
Sketch Plan developed in
2015.
8
Permanent parking at Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Provide parking within comfortable walking
distance from Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Very
High
Near Margaret
Whitlam
Pavilion
9
Events Terrace large group facility
Install bus turnaround, shelter and toilets at eastern
end of Events Terrace to cater for bus groups, to
complement Gallery of Gardens
High
Events Terrace
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Ref
Project
Explanation
10
Thrive: Forest irrigation project
Build on infrastructure established in Stages 1-4 of
the project to maximize the number of forests that
have access to mains-delivered irrigation
11
Implement strategic review of forests including planting
remaining forests
Grow and plant forests not yet planted and address
failed forests
12
Federation Forest
Provide area to facilitate Federation Forest plantings High
Part of Forest 32
near Margaret
Whitlam Pavilion
14
Additional multi-use trails for walkers and cyclists
Provide quality trails to add to the range of products High
and experiences for visitors. Encourage interaction
with forest and facilitate interpretation.
As identified in
Trails Concept
Plan
15
Trail gazebos and interpretation
16
17
Upgrade unsealed forest roads
Accommodation for Arboretum staff
Priori
ty
Very
High
Location
Notes
Whole of site
Stages 1-4 completed,
Budget bid to be
developed for 2016-17.
Very
High
Whole of site
To be guided by a
strategic review of
forests being undertaken
in 2015.
Ministerial commitment.
Initial concept plan
produced but requires
design.
Trails to Wide Brown
Land, STEP and DFH
were installed in 201415.
To be determined New project. Potential
project for Friends
fundraising.
Install gazebos at strategic locations along new
trails, to facilitate interpretation and add to the
visitor experience
Most roads require re-surfacing to shed water and
thus reduce ongoing maintenance costs, reduce
sediment movement, facilitate safer public access
and provide for safe fire management
High
High
Boundary road,
River Road,
Totara road,
other
connecting
roads
Medium term solution
prior to sealing roads as
per project 30.
Develop permanent accommodation for staff
including horticultural depot staff and office based
staff.
High
Current depot
location west of
main car park
Essential to replace
temporary
demountables. Potential
links to Project 33Friends, Volunteers and
Education Centre
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Ref
Project
Explanation
Priori
ty
Med
Location
Notes
18
Sealing of high use areas including asphalt seal to main
car park
Replace gravel surfaces with asphalt or concrete in
high use areas including Events Terrace, admin
buildings, MWP car park, depot and back of house
Village Centre. Replace temporary 2 coat seal on
main car park with permanent seal
Around VC and
Events Terrace,
main car park
New project . Safety and
amenity issue. Priority
will increase as existing
surfaces age.
19
Upgrade overflow car park
Improve parking conditions and accessibility of the
site and provide for temporary use as an event
centre for large events
Med
Overflow car park To include pedestrian
movement
improvements, lighting,
access controls, parking
machines, asphalt seal
20
Provide sustainable power supply to works depot
Enable staff and contractors to operate safely and
effectively from depot
Med
Depot
Water connected in 1415. Off grid power supply
the preferred option,
being progressed as
renewable energy project
in 2015-16.
21
Internal upgrade to Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Internal furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) not Med
up to level required for paid events
Margaret
Whitlam Pavilion
Requires functional brief
and design
22
Upgrade to Sprout Café serving area
Required to improve service times and ease of
customer access.
Med
Inside Village
Centre
New project .Ginger
Catering to have input.
23
Upgrade of interpretation
Implement upgraded interpretive features both
within and outside the Village centre, with an
emphasis on utilizing mobile technology
Med
Village Centre
and whole of
site
Includes progression of APositive multi media
initiative and Arboretum
app.
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Ref
Project
Explanation
Priori
ty
Low
Location
Notes
24
Wetland /viewing platform at the Western dam,
including bird hides
Storm water management and additional visitor
cohort
Western dam
Link ANBG and Arboretum by a walking trail to the
north of the site
Low
Northern section
of the site
Requires design,
Government grant/
sponsorship funding to
be sought. Good links to
trail network.
Partnership to be
developed with ANBG
and Parks Service.
25
Walking track to Australian National Botanic Gardens
26
Amphitheatre stage
Permanent stage for events/ performances
Low
Base of
Amphitheatre
Feasibility study
required. Potential for
external sponsorship.
27
Pin Oak Forest viewing platform and pathway (Freefall)
Implement the winning design for the 2014
Engineers Australia Freefall Design Competition
Low
Freefall Pin Oak
Forest 41
Engineers Australia are
actively seeking
corporate and private
sector funds for
construction in
partnership with ACT
Gov. Low priority for
funding but high priority
for in kind support
28
Recycling and storage area
Install on-site facilities to recycle and reuse green
waste
Low
Former quarry
site Forest 39
Project added as per TCL
Master Plan. Site has
been partially developed
for such use but requires
additional infrastructure
and equipment.
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Medium Term Projects 5 - 10 years
Ref
29
Project
Boutique accommodation
Explanation
Boutique accommodation/tree houses
Location
Appropriate forest to be
determined
Cork Oak Road, River
Road, parts of Boundary
Road
Forest Drive adjacent to
forests 19, 21, 23, 40, 44
30
Sealing of major roads
Sealing of key roads to facilitate visitor access
to forests
31
Pull off zones for parking
Enable children, seniors and people with
disabilities better access to forests and
facilities
32
Additional picnic / BBQ areas and toilets
As the Arboretum matures, additional visitor
facilities will be required within the forests
Requires further analysis to Link to development of trails and
determine suitable sites
increased road access.
33
Friends, Volunteers and Education centre
34
Conference facility and tourist accommodation (hotel)
Provide a facility for Friends, and volunteers
and incorporate a n education space
9classroom, theatre etc)
Medium sized facility with meeting rooms and
accommodation. Commence EOI process
when economic conditions suitable.
To be consideredpotentially same location
as arboretum staff depot.
Appropriate forest to be
determined – indicate site
north of Forest 76
35
Canopy walks
Canopy walks through a semi-mature to
mature forest
Himalayan Cedars - Forest
11
Major attraction
36
Village Centre amenity improvements
Install glass roof to cutting, glass wind shelter
to north deck to increase useabiity of these
areas in windy and rainy conditions. Install
additional bike racks to VC precinct.
Village Centre
New project
37
Extension of Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Extend/augment existing building to increase
its capacity as a function venue
Margaret Whitlam Pavilion New project
38
Conservatory or belvedere to Events Terrace
Install additional facility for use a function
venue
Events Terrace
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Notes
Public/private partnership when
economic climate conducive.
Tie in with future connections to
Molonglo suburbs.
Potentially major works required
to achieve. Requires design and
input from ACT Roads
Public/private partnership. Links
to boutique accommodation.
Project added as per TCL Master
Plan.
Long Term Projects 10+ years
Ref
39
Project
Welcome Centre
Explanation
Develop a Welcome Centre to the south of
the site as part of the Molonglo Estate
development. Includes sealing of River Road
to existing Forest Drive
Location
South boundary of the site
near future second
entrance
Notes
Welcome Centre to include
coach parking, toilets,
refreshments, tours start point
40
Second entrance
Develop a second public entrance to the
south of the site as part of the Molonglo
Estate development. Includes sealing of River
Road to existing Forest Drive
South boundary of the
site
Contingent on connections to
Molonglo. Linked to project 39
Welcome Centre.
41
Artist studio and residence
Provide working and accommodation facilities Forest 62 and Forest 47
for artist in residence program
Project added as per TCL Master
Plan.. Studio located east of DFH;
residence near quarry.
42
Quarry garden
Transform quarry site into a focal point for
visitors
Near Forest 47
Project added as per TCL Master
Plan. Quarry requires
rehabilitation, at minimum
43
Add seed bank to Research Centre
Extend operations of the research facility to a
seed bank
Future accommodation
building
44
Third entrance to site
Likely to be located to the north west of the
Arboretum to connect to Molonglo
North west of the
Arboretum
Can only be progressed in
conjunction with plans to
develop Molonglo.
45
Estate security
The development of Molonglo will
necessitate improvements to fencing and
access arrangements along the Arboretum’s
boundary.
Boundary of Arboretum
New project
References
1. National Arboretum Canberra Advisory Board Master Plan workshop notes, 17 October 2013.
2. Taylor Cullity Lethlean - Landscape Architecture concept design, 2008 - 2011.
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au