Sun rises on National Arboretum

A specatular dawn ceremony on Saturday morning (2nd February) marked the official opening of the National Arboretum in Canberra.

The 250 hectare site was once a pine and cedar forest but was destroyed by fires in 2001 and 2003. Over the past decade it has sprouted back to life, with 40,000 trees planted across 100 forests, many of which are threatened species.

With $20 million funding from the Federal Government, the new attraction features a visitor centre, cafe, shop, picnic areas, the Canberra Discovery Garden and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.

Former ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope was a driving force behind the establishment of the forest.

At the opening he told Channel 7 news, "I didn't of course plan that the arboretum would be a national icon.

"It was my intention, initially, in the aftermath of the devastating bushfires of 2003, that we Canberrans rebuild this city, such that in time as we look back on those dreadful days of heartbreak, hurt and devastation, that we could take some comfort and pride in what we had re-built from the ashes."

Transformed from the ashes into, accorinding to current ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher "a place of beauty, tranquillity, recreation, research and learning", the opening of the National Arboretum is seen as one of the highlights of Canberra's centenary year.

Chief Minister Gallagher added "with Canberra's changing seasons and the continual growth of the forests, a visit to the Arboretum will be a different experience each time. As well as the majestic views across Canberra, the Village Centre's range of interactive displays reveal the stories, people, wildlife and science of the Arboretum's rare, endangered and symbolic forests.

"The opening of the Arboretum is a fantastic way to start Canberra's Centenary year. 2013 will be a year of celebrating what we have achieved as a city in this comparatively short time."

The Arboretum will be open seven days a week every day of the year. The Village Centre, with a visitor display and cafe, will be open 9 am to 4 pm daily (except for Christmas Day).

For more information go to www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

17th January 2012 - PLANTBANK VITAL FOR BIO-DIVERSITY