Mayor welcomes Labor Party’s Funding Commitment

Mayor Brett Benbow has received positive community feedback since the Labor Party announced last week that they will commit $3 million to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden if they win the next election.

Eddie Hughes MP member for Giles recently announced at a Port Augusta Residents and Ratepayers forum that Labor will offer a $3 million election commitment to assist the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta.

“We welcome this firm commitment that will address a funding inequity of the States Botanical Gardens. The State Government currently funds Botanic Gardens across Adelaide; however, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden has received no financial support. This commitment will remove the deficit funding of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden by the ratepayers of Port Augusta, improving Council’s financial sustainability and resulting in downward pressure on rates.” Mayor Brett Benbow stated.

“We note that a Liberal Party announcement regarding the funding of the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Garden has been indicated within the next few days and we are hopeful that they too will address the funding inequity for the ratepayers of Port Augusta.”. Mayor Brett Benbow stated.

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden was established in 1993 in consultation with the State Government and were designed to provide a facility for the conservation of a collection of Australia's arid zone flora, including threatened species and plant communities. The garden also offers research
platforms in the arid environment through education on a regional, national, and international level.

The Gardens also promote arid zone plants by fostering appreciation and research into their special qualities and horticultural potential.

For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 8641 9100

BRETT BENBOW
MAYOR
PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL
24/2/2022