RE-OPENING THE GARDENS – STAGE ONE

From the President:

Hooray, a little light at the “middle” of the tunnel.

Below is an important announcement from the Gardens which means we will be able to access our favourite place.

Please, and I am sure you will, respect the Guidelines below as we want to set an example for one thing and also to ensure this access not only continues but is still in place if there is a second wave of the virus as is likely.

I know I am looking forward to this access.

We hope over the next month to bring you updates on what Friends may be able to do – but the situation has not changed for us yet.

Max Bourke AM
President
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Good Morning Friends of the ANBG

I am pleased to let you know that James Findlay (Director of National Parks) has given approval for ANBG to re-open in a staged manner from Monday 18th May 2020, to give visitors the opportunity to take advantage of this outdoor venue for physical exercise and to support mental health, while maintaining the safety of staff, volunteers and the public.

To avoid unmanageable crowds the first stage of reopening involves a “soft opening” targeting the Friends of the ANBG and volunteers to return as visitors to ANBG. No media release, social media activities or advertising will take place during Stage One. As volunteers you will not be able to resume your duties, but are warmly welcomed to return to your beloved Gardens. Our small number of staff on-site during the past weeks have been looking after the Gardens and trying to manage weeds and ensure our plants are happy.

There will be two Rangers on site patrolling and managing car parking to be limited to 80% capacity. The Visitor Centre, Botanical Bookshop, Pollen Café and Jindii Eco Spa will remain closed. High visitation and contact areas will be closed to the public, and a unidirectional traffic flow will be implemented, these are demonstrated on the attached map.

Our Rangers will be returning to their normal on-site arrangements; there are no further changes to staff working from home at this stage.

We have developed a COVID-19 Reopening Plan that details the measures that will be put in place to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. It also includes information and plans for future stages of reopening.

A risk assessment has been completed in consultation with the DNP WHS and Risk teams. The Ranger team are currently compiling an action list that will be monitored and completed prior to reopening.

It is critical that staff working on-site and all visitors comply with social distancing and hygiene for the health and well-being of everybody. This soft opening is a test case and if we can’t manage Friends and visitors, then Stages 2 and 3 of the Re-opening Plan will be further away for us.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me or Peter Byron know.

This is exciting and we look forward to working together to take the first step necessary to bring visitors back to ANBG.

Regards

Judy