Restored Araluen Botanic Park dedicated as a major heritage and recreational asset

26/11/99
One of Perth's most loved parks has undergone extensive renovations and is ready for the new Millennium.
Planning Minister Graham Kierath today dedicated Araluen Botanic Park as a major heritage and recreational asset.
"It has taken almost 10 years to restore Araluen to its former glory," the Minister said.
"When the State Government bought the park in 1990 it was looking tired and needed a facelift.
"The Government, through the Western Australian Planning Commission, bought the park for $1.2 million and has spent $2.75 million refurbishing its buildings and services."
Mr Kierath said facilities had been brought up to the standard required for an important State asset.
"Work completed so far includes realigning and rebuilding access roads, two new car parks and recirculating water in Stinton Creek so it runs 365 days a year," he said.
"A large dam has been built so the park will be able to survive our hot summer temperatures, and there is an extensive power and water supply system throughout the park."
Mr Kierath said the restoration was a team effort.
"While the Government has funded the upgrading of buildings and services, the Araluen Botanic Park Foundation has restored the gardens," he said.
"The Ministry of Justice has provided Karnet Prison Farm inmates to help with certain aspects of the restoration, and the Lotteries Commission has funded park maintenance equipment.
"I would also like to thank the Departments of Employment and Workplace Relations, Small Business and Westnet Employment Services for funding eight Work for the Dole projects at Araluen."
Mr Kierath said it was hard to recognise the park for the ugly duckling it was when the Planning Commission bought it almost 10 years ago.
"There was a car park right in the middle and most of the infrastructure needing fixing," he said.
"The new concourse is a much more fitting place for visitors to gather than the expanse of bitumen it replaced.
"All the new works are built to a quality that will stand the test of time."
Mr Kierath unveiled a plaque in recognition of Araluen's place in the recreational, heritage and cultural fabric of Western Australia and dedicated the park to the new Millennium.
Media contact: Mike Groves (08) 9213 6400