NSW Government to merge Sydney park agencies

The NSW Government has revealed a plan to merge the operations of Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain and Centennial Parklands.

The plan is to amalgamate the operations of Centennial Parklands and Moore Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, the Domain, The Australian Botanic Garden Mt Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mt Tomah Botanic Garden, creating a harbour-side to mountain-top network of nearly 1100 hectares.

Announcing the move, NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker stated "this move will provide enormous community and visitor benefits as these amazing sites will have access to up to $7 million more funding each year from efficiencies achieved by the amalgamation, which will be re-invested in exciting and innovative projects.

"This money will be reinvested in new science and education programs, better customer services and management systems all of which will improve the parks and gardens for the community.

"Whether visitors are seeking botanic inspiration, educational opportunities or recreational activities, Centennial Park and the Botanic Gardens will be ready to deliver high quality experiences.

"Efficiencies will come from the sharing of resources, staff and equipment across the Sydney basin and the amalgamation of the executive teams.

"Up to 50% of the financial benefits come from new revenue improved booking systems, better customer data base, new activities and experiences."

The Centennial Parklands and Moore Park Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust will be retained with no changes to their objectives, powers and responsibilities. Importantly, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust will continue its important work in science and plant conservation.

Minister Parker added "the similarities in the aims and objectives of each organisation made this decision very easy.

"The Trusts focus on four key areas botany and horticulture, education, tourism and health and wellbeing. By bringing the operations of these organisations together, they will benefit from the knowledge and experience that each brings to the table, while having the resources to achieve more."

A new Executive Director, who will report to the board of each Trust, will be appointed to manage the amalgamation of operations.

About 40 jobs are expected to be lost.