KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014 2019 - Extended to 2021
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GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014 - 2019 Extended to 2021
KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
CONTENTS COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Community Consultation 2 This Management Plan has been prepared by the Botanic Gardens
Executive Summary 3 and Parks Authority (BGPA) with significant consultation from key
stakeholders, including government and private organisations and
Overview of Kings Park and
Botanic Garden 4 the general community. A draft plan was prepared following a review
of the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Management Plan 2009-2014
Guiding Management 7
including community feedback received via a survey of stakeholders
Western Australian and a public workshop. Submissions were sought through a formal
Botanic Garden 12 public submission period from 14 March to 16 May 2014, with
Parkland 18 notification via direct correspondence with stakeholders and notices
Bushland 22 in the Government Gazette, the state and local newspapers and
on the BGPA website. A total of 23 submissions were received from
Park-Wide 26
individuals, community groups and government organisations.
Review and Revision 32
The draft plan received considerable support and minor amendments
Front cover main photo:
Western Australian Botanic Garden: D. Blumer
were made in response to specific comments in formal submissions.
Small photos (left to right): Further details can be found in a separate publication, Audit of Public
Bushland: D. Blumer
Parkland: D. Blumer Submissions: Kings Park and Botanic Garden Management Plan 2014-
Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park: J. D’Arcy
2019, available from the BGPA’s Administration.
Photo: D. Blumer
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Photo: D. Blumer
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Western
Australia, is a large inner-metropolitan park
offering spectacular views of Perth and the
Swan River as well as tranquil green spaces
for passive recreation, cultural activities and
connecting with nature. Managed by the
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the
vision statement for Kings Park and Botanic
Garden is:
‘To create and provide world-recognised
botanic gardens and parks and to inspire the Major initiatives for Kings Park and Botanic Garden
conservation of biological diversity.’ include:
The Kings Park and Botanic Garden Management • Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Western
Plan 2014-2019 follows a review of the previous Australian Botanic Garden in 2015 with a range
plan as required by Part 4 of the Botanic Gardens of special community events and commemorate
and Parks Authority Act 1998. This plan specifically the milestone with the development of new
addresses management related to the land of Kings landscape features near the Botanic Garden
Park and Botanic Garden, and is divided into four entry.
physical management sections: • Plan and implement improvements at Lotterywest
(i) Western Australian Botanic Garden: Family Area, Hale Oval and Synergy Parkland
a living museum of the spectacular and diverse to enhance visitor facilities such as paths, play
flora of Western Australia and now including equipment, shelter and associated planting.
Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park; • Conduct ecological restoration activities,
(ii) Parkland: landscaped recreational incorporating volunteer involvement where
areas incorporating important memorials, appropriate, to conserve and enhance local
playgrounds, expansive lawns and shade trees; native biodiversity.
(iii) Bushland: a large eco-sanctuary of regionally • Allow a pedestrian link bridge over Winthrop
significant remnant vegetation; and Avenue from the new Perth Children’s Hospital
to the edge of Kings Park bushland, and provide
(iv) Park-wide: where activities and services new bushland entry statements and upgraded
support the function of the whole park. path surfaces to enhance bushland experience.
The plan provides an overview of management • Plan and construct dedicated volunteer facilities
context and the overarching strategic direction, in part of the Eucalyptus Carpark to facilitate
reports on progress against priorities in the existing improved volunteer engagement and active
management plan for the period 2009-2014, and involvement in expanded volunteer programs
identifies strategic directions and management throughout the park.
priorities for the period 2014-2019 in each of the
management sections. Many initiatives in this plan • Develop a park-wide tree management strategy
are within the anticipated budget allocations, while to manage public safety risks and conserve the
others are aspirational and will require additional living tree collection throughout Kings Park and
funding for their implementation. The BGPA will seek Botanic Garden.
sponsorship and other funding opportunities, with
resources allocated to the highest priority activities.
3
KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Photo: C. Leonhardt
Photo: M. Griffith
OVERVIEW OF Apart from the river interface, the park is surrounded
KINGS PARK AND by highly urban development with busy main roads
adjoining every boundary. Most of the park is
BOTANIC GARDEN accessible 24 hours every day. It therefore offers
a tranquil refuge to escape the city environment,
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is Western
provides spaces for retreat, inspiration and nature
Australia’s premier tourist destination and
observation, and holds a special place in the hearts
is highly valued by visitors and the wider and minds of the community. More than two thirds of
community. It is a large A Class reserve the park comprises remnant bushland supporting a
covering just over 400 hectares and located rich diversity of local native flora, fauna and fungi,
only 1.5 km from Perth Central Business a rare feature so close to a capital city.
District. It showcases the Western Australian
Botanic Garden, many important memorials, HISTORICAL
landscaped recreational parklands, Kings Park was originally part of
playgrounds and cafes and a significant area the land of the Wadjuk tribe, a
of remnant bushland. Welcoming nearly six subset of the Mooro people of the
million visitors each year, it is a popular place Bibbulmun nation. These people
for picnics, recreation, cultural and ceremonial were collectively called Nyoongar
events. The park is also a significant scientific and the land that is now Kings Park
institution and a renowned centre for research, and Botanic Garden was referred
education and conservation. to as Moora Kaarta. This land, especially the area
below the escarpment and alongside the Swan River
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is situated at (Derbal Yerrigan) remains an important cultural and
the top of the Mount Eliza Escarpment, a major spiritual place for Aboriginal people. In addition
topographical feature within the park, offering to Aboriginal artwork and cultural interpretation
spectacular views over Perth city and the Swan River throughout the park, Nyoongar connection with
to the Darling Range in the distance to the east. Kings Park is recognised through regular discussion
A majestic avenue of lemon scented gums lines the with Aboriginal people regarding management of
main entrance and forms an iconic landmark in the Kings Park land.
Perth landscape.
4
Set aside for public purposes in 1831, the area that
Photo: D. Blumer
was to become Kings Park was first gazetted as a
public park in 1872. It was officially created as an
A-class reserve in 1900, affording it the highest
level of protection available to Crown (public) land
under Western Australian law and was vested for
management with the Kings Park Board, now the
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA). The
first built memorial in the park was constructed
in 1902, with the State War Memorial being
dedicated in 1929, the same year the first of the
Honour Avenues was commemorated. The Western
Australian Botanic Garden was established within
Kings Park in 1965.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a significant green
space in Perth, providing an important refuge for
many species and a corridor for wildlife movement
between bushland reserves and parklands. The park
is internationally renowned for having such a large
area of natural bushland so close to a capital city.
It is regionally significant as a Bush Forever site
and is managed for the ongoing protection of its
bushland. The highly urban surrounds present
many challenges for ongoing management of
the bushland’s native biodiversity and the risks
associated with it such as bushfire. The bushland
is home to 325 native plant species, around 80
bird species, 20 reptile species, over 200 species
of fungi identified to date and hundreds of different
invertebrates.
The Western Australian Botanic Garden is an
important scientific institution and a key
resource for botanical research and
conservation of the Western Australian
flora. This living museum also serves as
an environmental educational resource
with its layers of interpretation that promote
the flora, its conservation and its significance to
life on earth. Environmental education is also
advanced through Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park,
an environmental discovery area that promotes
environmental stewardship by encouraging children
to experience and connect with nature.
The BGPA is attentive to broad environmental issues,
such as the drying climate, habitat disturbance,
water-wise practices, fire management, responsible
waste management and energy conservation.
5
KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Photo: D. Blumer
CULTURAL The Western Australian Botanic Garden is also an
important cultural institution and increasing visitation
Kings Park and Botanic Garden has a long and
reflects the cultural importance and value the
interesting Aboriginal and European cultural
Western Australian community places on Kings Park
history and is a significant tourist attraction. It
and Botanic Garden. Over 1000 active volunteers
offers high quality services and facilities and is
and supporters are involved in direct and indirect
Western Australia’s most visited tourist attraction.
community service delivery across the park. Visitor
The expanses of natural bushland, Botanic Garden
surveys show over 99% of people are
and well presented parklands and playgrounds are
satisfied with their visit and regular
cherished by the community and have been enjoyed
visitor feedback is received about the
by many generations of Western Australians and
tranquillity, beauty, displays and service
other visitors for passive recreation, environmental
standards offered throughout the park.
discovery and learning, and contemporary cultural
and social activities. These range from small family
ECONOMIC
gatherings to large corporate and cultural events,
including outdoor theatre, cinema, contemporary The BGPA receives State Government
music concerts and the annual Kings Park Festival. funding for the majority of its capital and recurrent
activities. Around 35% of the BGPA budget is
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is home to a wide generated through sponsorships, fee for service,
range of significant memorials, including the State and revenue from events, leases and licences. High
War Memorial, several kilometres of Honour Avenues visitation levels and rising costs continually challenge
and numerous memorials commemorating important the BGPA resources and it works closely with the
people and events in the history of the State. In community to balance the focus on biodiversity
addition, the area has special historic and cultural conservation and ecological restoration with
significance to Aboriginal people, and contains provision of quality services to visitors. The resource
several registered Aboriginal sites of cultural heritage allocation between these two key services is regularly
significance. All of these elements contribute to the reviewed to enable required outcomes to be achieved
rich cultural fabric of the park and its importance within available resources.
as a significant place for cultural and ceremonial
activities.
6
GUIDING MANAGEMENT • Manage Biodiversity: Conserve and enhance
any native biological diversity of the designated
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS land (i.e. Kings Park and Botanic Garden).
The BGPA is established under the Botanic • Landscape and Amenity: Conserve and
Gardens and Parks Authority Act 1998, (the enhance the natural environment, landscape
features and amenity of the designated land.
Act) and this Act is its primary governing
legislation. The BGPA is responsible for • Botanic Garden Collections and Display:
ensuring the care, control and management Conserve, develop, manage, display, and
of Kings Park and Botanic Garden. The BGPA undertake research into collections of Western
is a statutory authority within the Western Australian and other flora; promote the use of
Australian Government, and is part of the flora for the purposes of horticulture, conservation
and education.
Environment portfolio. The Minister for the
Environment appoints members to a Board of • Inspire Biodiversity Conservation: Enhance
Management. The Chief Executive Officer of and promote the understanding and conservation
the BGPA reports to both the Minister for the of the biological diversity of the designated land
Environment and to the Board of Management. and of biological diversity generally.
• Cultural Heritage: Conserve, enhance
The Act identifies the specific functions and the
and promote the Aboriginal, colonial and
relevant powers that govern the management of
contemporary cultural heritage of the designated
the designated land and for the conservation of
land.
biological diversity generally. They include:
• Research: Undertake and promote research
• Recreation and Tourism: Provide, improve and investigation into: matters related to the care,
and promote quality recreational and tourism control and management of designated land; to
services and facilities on the designated land. biodiversity conservation; and to other matters
related or connected with the statutory functions of
the BGPA.
Photo: The West Australian
7
KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK The strategic framework and directions of the BGPA
are based on the functions of the BGPA as outlined
Under the Act and within the overall State
in the Act (Part 3, S. 9.2) and they underpin each of
Government goal of achieving results in key
the management plans for the designated lands. The
service delivery areas for the benefit of all Western
strategic framework is comprised of the following
Australians, the State Government requires the BGPA
eleven key areas (not listed in any order of priority):
to deliver two key services:
1. Corporate Governance: In line with its
1. Customer Service and Cultural Heritage,
values of Respect, Inclusiveness, Sustainability,
with the desired outcome of awareness and
Accountability and Excellence, the BGPA
appreciation of recreation and tourist resources,
committed to ensuring ethical, transparent
and cultural heritage for visitors’ enjoyment.
and responsible governance, delivering sound
2. Biodiversity Conservation and Scientific financial management and achieving value for
Research, with the desired outcome of money. It also aims to improve government and
conservation and enhancement of Western other funding support and to maintain existing
Australia’s bushland and other flora. and develop new strategic alliances for mutual
In striving to provide for the diverse range of visitor benefit.
interests and to ensure the conservation of native 2. Funding: The BGPA receives part of its funding
biological diversity and cultural heritage of Kings from the State Government of Western Australia.
Park and Botanic Garden, the BGPA is committed to Significant revenue is also generated through
the following vision and mission: other sources, including various events, leases
and licenses and through research grants,
Vision: To create and provide world-recognised
international consultancies and sponsorships.
botanic gardens and parks and to inspire the
conservation of biological diversity. The BGPA works closely with sponsors where
values and objectives are aligned. All BGPA
Mission: To conserve and enhance Kings Park and revenue is directed towards maintaining very
Botanic Garden and Bold Park with the community, high standards of horticultural and conservation
and to conserve biological diversity generally. management practices, scientific research, visitor
services and facilities and maintaining significant
cultural and memorial sites.
Photo: D. Blumer
8
3. Risk Management: Risks in Kings Park and
Botanic Garden are actively managed as far
as practicable by the BGPA for the protection
of people, the long-term conservation and
landscape value of the park and its assets,
earnings and reputation. The identification,
evaluation, management and monitoring of
existing and potential risks is intended to provide
a safer experience for all visitors, volunteers,
staff, lease and licence holders and contractors
as far as is possible in an urban bushland and
parkland setting.
4. Community Engagement: A sense of
community ownership is fostered through
communicating key values and conservation
messages and the Disability Access and
Inclusion Plan and the Aboriginal Reconciliation
Action Plan are key elements in community
engagement. The annual Kings Park Festival
is the flagship event for interactive community
involvement each September to celebrate the
cultural and environmental values and activities
associated with Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
The services and outcomes in Kings Park and
Botanic Garden are delivered in part through
contributions of the hundreds of people,
including volunteers and sponsors, involved
in a variety of roles to care for the natural
environment, welcome visitors, advance science
Photo: C. Sprogoe
and preserve Western Australian history. The
four volunteer organisations are: The Friends of
Kings Park, The Kings Park Volunteer Guides,
the Volunteer Master Gardeners and the Honour
Avenues Group as part of the RSL Highgate Sub
branch. Expansion of volunteer opportunities in continue to maintain a high level of accessible
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is essential for visitor facilities and subsequent satisfaction with
future sustainability. services in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and
where practicable provide for increased visitation
5. Visitation (Tourism and Recreation):
and demand, including implementation of the
The BGPA’s tourism and recreation strategies
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, and seeking
in Kings Park and Botanic Garden seek to
ongoing improvements for vehicles, cyclists and
provide, improve and promote quality services
pedestrians.
and facilities compatible with the long-term
conservation values in a safe, accessible 6. Cultural Heritage: The BGPA has a key
environment. Visitor services focus on the park’s function under the Act to conserve, enhance
natural settings and nature-based recreation and promote the Aboriginal, colonial and
is enhanced through display of collections of contemporary cultural heritage of Kings Park
Western Australian and other flora and with and Botanic Garden. Aboriginal cultural heritage
a range of information, interpretation and is recognised in use of Nyoongar language in
educational opportunities for the maximum site naming facilities where appropriate and the
diversity of visitor interests. The BGPA will Reconciliation Action Plan to build relationships,
show respect and improve opportunities.
9
KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Conservation plans protect culturally significant 8. Inspiring Conservation of Biological
elements and values of the built and natural Diversity: Interpretation and education
landscapes. In recognition that all people strategies aim to inspire the conservation of
use land as part of their culture, the BGPA the native biological diversity in Kings Park
encourages a variety of inclusive events in Kings bushland as well as native biological diversity
Park and Botanic Garden that appeal to a broad generally. Strategies include high quality
demographic, strengthening and promoting horticultural displays, artworks, interpretation,
the contemporary cultural heritage, including website, brochures, publications, signage, guided
facilities for gatherings, ceremonies and opportunities and environmental education
performances, the summer event season with including Kings Park Education programs and the
music, film and theatre, delivery of education Kings Park Festival.
and interpretive materials and services and
9. Conservation of Landscape and Amenity:
developing and maintaining an extensive array
To conserve and enhance the natural
of public art.
environment, landscape features and amenity
7. Conservation of Native Biological of the park, the BGPA develops precinct master
Diversity: The BGPA is charged with the plans to guide decision making, maintenance
responsibility to conserve and enhance the native and future development. It provides visitor
biological diversity of the park. Accordingly, facilities and amenities including paths, roads,
ecological restoration is undertaken to reduce gardens, lawns, trees, artworks, seating,
threats to native biodiversity, improve bushland barbeques, cafes and playgrounds and
condition and encourage resilient ecological associated infrastructure. Landscape and amenity
communities. The adaptive ecological restoration is enhanced while ensuring sound water and
approach incorporates: research to optimise energy conservation, turf management and waste
bushland management strategies; weed management practices and minimal impact on
removal; production and planting of local native adjacent bushland.
plant species; appropriate fire management
10. Collections and Promotion of Western
activities; pest animal and disease control; native
Australian and Other Flora: The Act requires
fauna management; monitoring of flora, fauna
the BGPA to conserve, develop, manage, display,
and fungi; review; and communication. The
and undertake research into, collections of
BGPA contributes more broadly to conservation
Western Australian and other flora and also
programs within and beyond Kings Park and
to promote the use of flora for the purposes of
Botanic Garden through plant production
horticulture, conservation and education. This is
of threatened species, seed and vegetative
done in Kings Park and Botanic Garden through
collection for storage and cultivation, and other
research, interpretation and display all year, with
conservation techniques and research.
a peak during the spring season and the annual Photo: D. Blumer
Photo: BGPA
10Kings Park Festival. The use of native flora for MAP 1: MANAGEMENT PRECINCTS
the purposes of horticulture, conservation and Kings Park and Botanic Garden
education is promoted throughout the park and
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Western Australian and other flora. The high
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research, with the key objective being to enhance
the effectiveness of management practices
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Further detail on the BGPA’s Strategic Direction and
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Framework is available in the BGPA Strategic Plan,
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accessible on the BGPA website:
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www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
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Western Australian Botanic Garden
including Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park
In addition to the Strategic Plan, the BGPA has a
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range of policies and internal planning documents
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that guide decision making in Kings Park and Bushland gR
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Botanic Garden. These include precinct masterplans,
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a business plan, the Kings Park Conservation N
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Plan, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and a of achievements in the preceding period, a review of
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Reconciliation Action Plan. Policy documents cover available resources and consideration of the short,
risk management, memorials, bequests, new medium and long term priorities for the land. The
businesses and events, and plant collections and process includes consultation with relevant stakeholders
displays. These documents provide operational in preparing the plan and a formal period during
detail to support the Kings Park and Botanic Garden which public submissions are invited on the draft plan.
Management Plan.
This plan specifically addresses management related to
ROLE OF MANAGEMENT PLANS the land of Kings Park and Botanic Garden rather than
the full scope of activities undertaken by the BGPA.
Part 4 of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority The management plan is divided into four physical
Act 1998 requires the development of five year management sections: the Western Australian Botanic
management plans for each of the designated lands Garden precinct, parkland precinct, bushland precinct
to document the intended management policies and park-wide (Map 1). Each of the management
or guidelines to be followed and a summary of sections is comprised of a report on the progress
the operations proposed to be undertaken during against priorities of the existing plan for the period
that five year period. Management plans tend to 2009-2014, followed by the proposed strategic
summarise the more detailed strategies outlined in direction and priorities for the period
other internal documents used to provide longer-term 2014 – 2019. Key priorities are indicated on
focus. These plans are developed following a review Map 2, pp 16-17.
11KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Photo: D. Blumer
Photo: D. Blumer
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN Interwoven with its living museum of plant collections
and displays, the Botanic Garden fulfils important
BOTANIC GARDEN cultural, educational, social and recreational roles for
the community.
DESCRIPTION
It is home to many significant memorials
The Western Australian Botanic Garden was and the recently established Place of Reflection
established in 1965, envisaged at the time to that offers a peaceful landscape for quiet
become a major tourist attraction and aiming contemplation. The Water Garden precinct
to promote interest and education for the provides the setting for concerts and other
public in the conservation and cultivation of cultural events in the summer season. The
annual Kings Park Festival during September
the Western Australian flora. Now almost 50
has adopted the Botanic Garden as its focus
years later, that early vision has been realised.
site for many festival activities and displays.
The State’s Botanic Garden is a popular It is also a popular venue for weddings,
destination for local, national and international family picnics and other social gatherings,
visitors, drawn to its many attractions including which are well provided for with uniquely
spectacular displays of the unique and diverse designed pavilions, beautifully manicured lawns and
flora of Western Australia, set in landscaped water features amongst the gardens.
gardens overlooking the Mount Eliza
A key educational element is the complex layering
Escarpment and the Swan River.
of interpretive material themed around the unique
Covering over 17 hectares, the Western Australian biodiversity of Western Australia, and the rich
Botanic Garden is a living research centre, tapestry of history, people and culture that makes
recognised internationally as part of a global network Kings Park and Botanic Garden a special place.
of botanic gardens committed to conservation. Interpretive material occurs in many forms from plant
The scientifically based plant collections include labels and extensive interpretive signage through to
representation of almost 3,000 Western Australian a diversity of artworks created by various artists over
species in themed displays, including a conservation time. Aboriginal culture is also featured in interpretive
garden dedicated to the display and interpretation material in recognition of connection to country and
of some of the State’s rare and endangered flora. the significance of Kings Park and Botanic Garden to
The gardens also include smaller collections of allied the local Nyoongar community past and present.
flora from South Africa and California, flora from the
Managed as a component of the Botanic Garden,
eastern states of Australia as well as some notable
Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is an environmental
and unique specimens such as the giant 750 year
learning and discovery bush landscape area created
old Boab successfully transplanted from the State’s
on a separate six hectare site to the north of the
Kimberley region.
Botanic Garden off May Drive. This development is
12Photo: D. Blumer
the home of Kings Park Education, which Photo: J. D’Arcy
dedicated education building in June 2012, set in
includes a dedicated, award-winning the adjacent landscape. The site has attracted more
building and an outdoor classroom area in the than 160,000 visitors since opening in late 2011 and
natural environment for delivery of environmental together with the environmentally sustainable design
and other education programs primarily for school building, has won several awards for its design and
children. construction and as an innovative environmental
education facility.
Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park has defined
opening hours with a continuous staff presence, The Botanic Garden Masterplan 2014-2024
supported by trained volunteers, to enhance visitor was completed to guide the future design and
experience and safety. The site offers a range of management of planting and development within
experiences for children and their families to connect the Western Australian Botanic Garden and Rio Tinto
with nature through adventure play and discovery, Naturescape Kings Park, building upon the previous
integrating landscape features such as a creek, 1996 Masterplan. The new plan was informed by an
wetland, innovative climbing challenges and elevated external review of the Botanic Garden in 2013, which
bird hides into the bush landscape while maintaining evaluated achievements in the first 50 years and
extensive conservation zones of native vegetation identified strategies to enhance its functions for the
and honouring the site’s past as an arboretum with next 50 years.
extensive plantings of Australian trees.
Concept planning for a botanic staircase to celebrate
PROGRESS ON THE the discovery of the Western Australian flora over
PRIORITIES IN THE 2009-2014 time was commenced, nominating an area adjacent
MANAGEMENT PLAN the Botanic Garden entry overlooking the Swan River
and incorporating a new community pavilion into
The southern end of the Botanic Garden received the concept. Several new paths were installed and
a major landscape upgrade with the establishment others were upgraded to improve circulation and
of the Place of Reflection in 2011. The new Marlee universal access and new fencing was installed from
Pavilion, winding paths, contemplation nodes, Forrest carpark to Forrest Concourse. Planning for
seating, lighting and planting all combined to deliver the second stage development of the Conservation
a quiet and elegant place of contemplation for the Garden was unfunded and therefore not progressed.
community, upgrading a previously under-utilised
and poorly maintained area of the gardens and The Kings Park Festival continued annually and
providing universal access throughout. celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2013
with an extensive program of free events, displays
A significant achievement for the BGPA was the and community activities. These were complemented
development of Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park. by expansive displays of annual wildflowers and other
Officially opened in October 2011, this development Western Australian plants, sourced through the state
prompted a new direction for Kings Park Education wide botanical collecting program and grown in the
and was complemented by the completion of a Kings Park nursery. Opportunities were investigated
13KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
to expand the Kings Park Festival to become part • To provide a botanical resource for scientific
of a city and state-wide celebration of wildflowers, and horticultural research, education and
but funding was not secured. The BGPA completed conservation of the Western Australian flora,
its contract with the Millennium Seedbank with seed including the mitigation of potential impacts of
collection of over 1200 plant species for long term climate change.
conservation in the United Kingdom facility.
• To inspire the conservation of Western Australia’s
The development of new signage to improve the diverse flora and its natural environments and
delineation of the Botanic Garden was also well promote its use in horticulture.
advanced for installation in 2014 and a new • To demonstrate best practice in horticultural and
Aboriginal interpretive trail, Boodja Gnarning, was environmental management.
established through the Botanic Garden with over
30 interpretive signs and an associated brochure • To provide an inspiring landscape as a
to relate Nyoongar use of native plants and other community and tourism resource for passive
cultural heritage information to visitors. recreation, cultural and social events.
• To contribute to the presentation of Kings Park
STRATEGIC DIRECTION and Botanic Garden as an iconic site and a
The BGPA aspires to create and provide inspiring special place for the community.
landscapes in the Botanic Garden with internationally
PRIORITIES 2014-2019
recognised botanical displays, interpretation and
visitor facilities to enhance and promote 1. Design and construct the next stage of the
the conservation, horticulture and understanding Conservation Garden to deliver landscape
of Western Australia’s flora and appreciation of its interpretation and displays of threatened plant
unique environments. communities to promote the conservation of the
State’s rare and threatened flora.
The strategic direction for the Botanic Garden is
informed by a range of internal planning documents 2. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Western
including the Western Australian Botanic Garden Australian Botanic Garden in 2015 with a range
Masterplan and the BGPA’s Collections and Displays of special community events and commemorate
Policy. the milestone with construction of new landscape
features near the Botanic Garden entry including:
Current and future priorities relate to one or more of
oo A botanic staircase to acknowledge and
the following key objectives for the Botanic Garden:
interpret the history of discovery of the
• To conserve and enhance the intrinsic Western Australian flora, and
landscape, cultural heritage and historic oo A community pavilion overlooking the
values of the site for current and future visitor Swan River as a premier venue for social
enjoyment. gatherings, weddings and other community
events.
Photo: A. Carvalho
Photo: D. Blumer
14Photo: D. Blumer
3. Strengthen the identity of the Botanic Garden 7. Review the current locations of the
through improved entry statements, artwork and South African and other Mediterranean-
signage at key locations to help raise awareness climate plantings and consider relocation to
of its important role in plant conservation, alternative more appropriate areas.
environmental education and scientific research.
8. Develop and implement collection management
4. Plan and implement the stage two development plans for significant plant collections to
of Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park document the purpose, management and future
environmental education facility including development of each collection and ensure their
enhancements within the site and improved ongoing conservation.
pedestrian access between the site and the
9. Plan and construct dedicated volunteer facilities
Botanic Garden.
in part of the Eucalyptus Carpark including a
5. Plan and implement upgrades to existing paths workshop, offices and amenities, to facilitate
and develop new linkages to improve the improved volunteer engagement and active
circulation system to and through the gardens, involvement in expanded volunteer programs
providing universal access where possible. throughout the park.
6. Investigate strategies to protect the botanic 10. Continue the use of the Western Australian
garden collections and its natural and cultural Botanic Garden for cultural events such as
heritage assets including improved lighting and concerts and other activities consistent with
other security measures. BGPA guidelines for events.
15AR
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Sw mitigation and fire
ecology researchKINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
PARKLAND of significance throughout the State’s history. The
most notable is the State War Memorial, standing tall
DESCRIPTION on the crest of Mt Eliza, surrounded by spectacular
views over Perth city and the Swan River to the
The parkland generally comprises all areas of Darling escarpment. More than 1,500 plaques adorn
Kings Park and Botanic Garden excluding the the tree lined Honour Avenues commemorating
designated bushland, the Western Australian Western Australian servicemen and women who
Botanic Garden and Rio Tinto Naturescape have died overseas at war. These avenues also form
Kings Park, and has a total area of over 100 a significant landscape feature throughout the park,
hectares throughout the park. Some of these in addition to the iconic avenue of Lemon Scented
areas are very popular destinations for family Gums along Fraser Avenue.
and other social gatherings, large and small,
Some parkland precincts represent the earliest areas
with people drawn to the many and varied of the park’s development and therefore support
visitor facilities they offer, as well as the high historic plantings and significant trees as well as
quality environment of expansive lawns and some of the oldest structures and monuments that
trees. are of significant cultural heritage value. Public
artworks add to the cultural diversity from historic
Some key development nodes, such as Synergy
elements through to more contemporary interpretive
Parkland, Saw Avenue Picnic Area and Lotterywest
works, with most new developments incorporating
Family Area, incorporate playground facilities with
interpretive artwork.
uniquely designed and themed play structures or
adventure play opportunities for a range of ages, PROGRESS ON THE
and all offer barbecue and picnic facilities, shelter PRIORITIES IN THE 2009-2014
and other amenities. The setting is generally open, MANAGEMENT PLAN
treed parkland with some garden displays included
to highlight the Western Australian flora and promote This period saw some substantial changes in the
its diversity, conservation and use in public and home Fraser Avenue precinct of the park with the most
gardens. significant being the completion of the Fraser Avenue
Ceremonial Walk project in 2010. A section of Fraser
The parkland also has a rich historic and cultural Avenue was permanently removed and returned to
tapestry with its extensive range of memorials lawn to improve pedestrian safety and access within
commemorating those lost in wars or individuals the State War Memorial precinct and all traffic was
Photo: D. Blumer
18diverted via a new road connecting to May Drive were developed as the flagship location for the
and the main carpark. Other changes included new new Backyard Botanicals concept. This program
amenities (Acacia Toilets), a new bus and limousine incorporates displays of a range of Australian
parking area, an upgrade to Forrest Carpark, new plants suited for the home garden with associated
street lighting and minor reconfiguration of the main informative plant labels, fact sheets and monthly
carpark (Wadjuk Carpark). information sessions held at the café.
The State Reception Centre was constructed as a The Saw Avenue Picnic Area is undergoing a further
first floor addition to Fraser’s Restaurant, prompted upgrade to extend the adventure play facilities as well
by the need for a suitable facility to hold the 2011 as the barbecue and picnic facilities and associated
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting landscape, with provision for universal access to most
Leaders’ Retreat, but also providing a high quality facilities. New circulation paths also include a new
venue for Government, corporate and private link path between the Thomas Street boundary and
functions for the long term. An al fresco dining area May Drive.
for the Botanical Café with associated landscaping
Stage One restoration of the historic Subiaco Lodge
was implemented as part of this project, and the
at the Saw Avenue entry was completed, reinstating
Floral Clock was removed at the time and reinstalled
the original verandah, addressing structural
in late 2013 in a new location near the Western
issues and improving its physical appearance, all
Australian Botanic Garden entry. Garden displays
in accordance with a documented conservation
were upgraded to highlight the iconic Western
plan. Other upgrade works in parkland included
Australian flora in this high profile and popular area.
refurbishment of the Kulbardi Toilets at Saw Avenue
Other improvements in the Fraser Avenue precinct to include universal access facilities and an upgrade
included refurbishment of the Kaarta Gar-up lookout to the Marri Toilets near the Kings Park Education
including the removal of the canopy, an upgrade to building.
the Wishing Well surrounds and a new balustrade
A review of memorial and centenary avenue trees
and hand rail at the State War Memorial.
was undertaken to consider a future replacement
Synergy Parkland had a further upgrade with two strategy as the trees decline. Fraser Avenue tree
new mega fauna sculptures, picnic facilities new losses have been replaced with the same species as
universal access paths and a mosaic artwork, required and those in the Honour Avenues have been
launched in early 2010. Zamia Café was extended replaced with local Marri trees (Corymbia calophylla).
and upgraded and the surrounding gardens Further review of this strategy is in progress.
Photo: R. Tanner
Photo: D. Blumer
Photo: R. Tanner
19KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Photo: D. Blumer
STRATEGIC DIRECTION • To provide universal access within and between
The vision for the parkland is to provide a diversity parkland areas and appropriate facilities for
of passive recreational and cultural experiences and visitors with disabilities.
facilities in unique parkland settings to promote • To incorporate artwork and interpretive signage
environmental, historical and cultural awareness to communicate environmental, conservation,
and appreciation within the community and enhance historic and cultural information to the
Kings Park and Botanic Garden as a special place. community.
The strategic direction for the parkland is informed by PRIORITIES 2014-2019
a range of internal planning documents including the
Parkland Masterplan, the Kings Park Conservation 1. Plan and implement improvements at Lotterywest
Plan and the BGPA’s Collections and Displays Policy. Family Area, Hale Oval and Synergy Parkland
Current and future priorities relate to one or more of to enhance visitor facilities such as paths, play
the following key objectives for the parkland: equipment, shelter and associated planting,
consistent with existing themes and the Parkland
• To conserve and enhance the intrinsic Masterplan 2008-2018.
landscape, cultural heritage and historic values
2. Develop and implement a landscape and
of the parkland for current and future visitor
interpretive plan for May Circle to reflect its role
enjoyment.
as a key location for Honour Avenue memorial
• To provide a diverse range of premier venues ceremonies and commemorate the centenary of
with unique facilities for nature-based tourism, the Honour Avenues Group.
passive recreation and play, and for social,
3. Continue the staged restoration of Subiaco
cultural and ceremonial events.
Lodge, to ensure that cultural heritage values are
• To demonstrate best practice in horticultural and maintained and enhanced.
environmental management.
204. Consider the future of the brick building adjacent
to the Lodge for either refurbishment or removal
to enhance the Fraser Avenue entry and the
heritage values of the Lodge.
5. Investigate options for providing short term
residency for visiting professionals and develop
a new facility or refurbish an existing facility if
required, consistent with the Kings Park and
Botanic Garden Conservation Plan.
Photo: D. Blumer
6. Review the surrounds to the South African War
Memorial to strengthen the original South
African planting theme and improve aesthetics
and visitor amenity.
7. Explore opportunities to further celebrate
and enhance community appreciation and
recognition of Aboriginal cultural heritage and
connection to the land, including support for
the establishment of an Indigenous heritage
commemorative feature in the Fraser Avenue
precinct.
8. Develop and implement an appropriate
landscape treatment to improve the interface
between parkland and bushland and investigate
opportunities for interpretation of the bushland
at the interface.
9. Extend the Backyard Botanicals concept into
additional high profile parkland garden beds
as demonstration gardens to encourage use of
Australian plants in home gardens.
10. Continue to implement the pedestrian circulation
system including new path linkages and
refurbishment of existing paths.
11. Review the opportunities and constraints related
to potential use of the Kaarta Gar-up building
and determine the future of the building.
Photo: R. Tanner
21KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2014–2019
Photo: D. Blumer
Photo: D. Blumer
BUSHLAND This eco-sanctuary is also a sanctuary for people.
Kings Park bushland is a prominent and readily
DESCRIPTION accessible urban wilderness in which people can
recreate, unwind and explore the many walking
Prior to European settlement, Kings Park trails, view points and cycle paths. It is dynamic and
bushland was nested in a vast, contiguous alive with the sounds, colours and activity of nature.
coastal plain ecosystem, accessed and utilised People visit the bushland for a variety of reasons,
freely by the Wadjuk people. Since then, the including exercise, nature-appreciation, hands-on
inner Perth region has transitioned over time restoration or research, but all can delight in the
from ‘the city within the bush’ to a highly urban fascinating surprises of nature it contains. An insect-
environment such that Kings Park bushland is shaped orchid, a ghostly glow-in-the-dark fungus,
now ‘the bush within the city’. a lizard camouflaged as bark, a close encounter
with a nectar-feeding bird on a kangaroo paw,
Kings Park bushland comprises almost 270 hectares and the dramatic spring-time transformation of
of remnant vegetation and consists of a steep the grey-green bushland into expanses of colourful
limestone escarpment (17 ha) rising prominently wildflowers: all point to the deeper secrets of a
to 65 m above the Swan River, and a large sandy fascinating web of life held together by complex
plateau (250 ha) of relatively flat terrain. The Mount ecological interactions and intriguing adaptations to
Eliza Escarpment is characterised by a narrow band Perth’s harsh environment of infertile soils and hot,
of low growing, dense limestone heath, whereas the dry summers.
larger plateau on the summit of Mount Eliza supports
a mixed sheoak, eucalypt and banksia woodland. The inner city location of Kings Park bushland
brings with it both opportunities and challenges for
Today, only 10% of the original Swan Coastal management. It is enjoyed by many people, both
Plain ecosystems of the Perth region persist within those who immerse themselves in it and those
conservation reserves. Kings Park bushland remains who are simply happy to know the
an important refuge for the rich diversity of flora, ‘city’s green lungs’ are there, and
fauna and fungi it supports, including regionally as such, its ongoing protection is of
significant and vulnerable species. The 325 native great importance to the people of Perth.
plant species growing in the bushland provide habitat However, it has also been subjected to
for around 80 native bird species, 20 native reptile major past disturbances during the
species, five native mammal species, hundreds of early years of European settlement
native invertebrate species, and over 200 species (such as logging, quarrying for
of fungi. limestone and planting invasive species)
and continues to be exposed to threats
22Photo: D. Blumer
Photo: D. Blumer
associated with urbanisation (such as fragmentation, Over 100,000 native plants were planted,
invasion by weeds and animal pests, arson and representing over 80 local native plant species that
trampling). Climate change predictions, chiefly a were propagated from locally-sourced seed and
decrease in rainfall and increase in temperature, cuttings. A significant weed management program
will potentially exert additional pressures on the over the five year period included 350 ha
bushland. of perennial veld grass herbicide control, 80 ha
of manual woody weed removal, and the removal
Passing on this remnant jewel to future generations of a range of highly invasive weed species in over
is of paramount importance, both for biodiversity 300 confined locations to prevent their subsequent
conservation and for the well-being of the people of proliferation. Restoration activities were undertaken
Perth and its many visitors. As the current custodians with the support of many committed volunteers,
of this precious eco-sanctuary, the BGPA, together particularly the Friends of Kings Park Bushland
with the community, is committed to conserving, Carers.
enhancing, promoting and enjoying Kings Park
bushland. A range of surveys were completed, including flora
and reptile monitoring and fungi and bat inventories,
PROGRESS ON THE to build knowledge of the biodiversity and guide
PRIORITIES IN THE 2009-2014 ongoing management. A new plant species,
MANAGEMENT PLAN Poranthera moorokatta, was discovered in Kings Park
An extensive range of activities were undertaken bushland, formally described and named by a BGPA
through an adaptive management process during research botanist. A revised edition of the popular
the period 2009-2014 in an effort to conserve and field guide Perth Plants was produced, incorporating
enhance the biodiversity of Kings Park bushland. updated information on the plant species located in
the bushlands of Kings Park and Bold Park.
The ecological restoration program was guided by
a five year plan that identified priority restoration
sites and invasive weed species requiring control.
The occurrence of an unplanned bushfire in
January 2009 that burnt 44 hectares of bushland
prompted a review of restoration priorities to enable
a focus on this area, particularly to reduce
weed invasion and promote native plant
regeneration. Other priority restoration sites
included the Bushland Nature Trail and areas
of extensive woody weed removal.
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