Botanic gardens conservatory decade behind, budget triples to $19m
The Ian Potter National Conservatory at Australian National Botanic Gardens is a decade late with costs now at $18.9 million, tripled from the original $6 million budget.
It is now a decade late. It was supposed to open in late 2026 but won't open until late 2027.
The $6 million project has cost $17.26 million to date, with another $1.64 million in approved contracts, bringing it to $18.9 million. The long delays have hurt the rest of the gardens.
An irrigation system failed, forcing staff to hand-water rare plants with hoses and watering cans. Staff shifted to care for tropical plants for the conservatory, leaving other teams short-handed and overworked.
Former staff called the project a "disaster" that prioritises one building over the gardens' world-class plant collection. COVID, heavy rainfall and contractor problems caused some delays, but the project has become a major drain on resources.
- $6 million
- Original budget
- $18.9 million
- Current total cost
- Decade
- Years behind schedule
- 2017
- Originally planned opening
Why it mattersThe project diverts crucial resources from plant conservation and research during ongoing delays.
AustraliaAustralia's premier national botanical research and conservation facility is depleted by the protracted project, affecting its core ability to preserve and study unique native plants.
