The Andrews Labor Government has announced the biggest funding boost to Victoria’s treasured Royal Botanic Gardens in more than 20 years.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio unveiled a $27 million funding package over five years for the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) to revitalise its Melbourne and Cranbourne gardens.

The funding will create 18 new jobs, repair the roofs of the famous Observatory buildings and replace the doors of the Tropical Glasshouse.

It will fund new paths, better irrigation, keep the waterways free of weeds and safeguard over 8,000 species of rare and unusual plants under the care of the Gardens.

Visitors will enjoy new signage, better lighting and revamped picnic areas, as well as more community programs and major events.

RBGV will continue its collaboration with Aboriginal Elders to celebrate the important stories and living culture of the Traditional Owners of the land.

The Labor Government’s investment is expected to lift the annual number of visitors to RBGV from 1.9 million to 2.3 million visitors each year by 2023.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This funding will ensure the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria remains one of the best gardens in the world.”

“These gardens are the living heart of Melbourne and we’re making sure they thrive for future generations.”

Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera

“The Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne is a cherished sanctuary of native bushland and this funding will help it stay that way.”

Quote attributable to Director and CEO of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Professor Tim Entwisle

“This uplift will begin a transformation of our state’s largest and much loved Botanic Gardens. We will add to those beautiful landscapes new digital interpretation, tours, public art and exhibitions, greater access to our scientific knowledge and many more ways for our visitors to connect with nature.”