Work will begin in the new year on a multimillion dollar construction project to pipe water from Lake Burley Griffin to the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett and ACT Senator Kate Lundy today announced the successful tenderer, the NSW construction firm Draincorp.
The project secures a long term water supply for the Gardens to maintain its living collection.
"This project will deliver 170 million litres of lake water a year, to ensure this fantastic living collection – the largest collection of Australian native plants in the world – continues to thrive," Garrett said.
"It means horticulturalists can irrigate the living collection even with tough water restrictions - and very importantly, it will free up valuable drinking water for the Canberra community.
Senator Lundy said the Gardens showcases the diversity of Australia’s native plant species, with more than 400,000 Australian and international visitors every year.
The living collection represents more than one-third of Australia’s plant biodiversity.
The National Capital Authority and the ACT Government have agreed to an allowance of 170 million litres from the lake each year. Subject to approvals, it is expected that work will be completed for the Gardens to switch to lake water by next summer.
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