Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury announced that over half a million visitors made their way to the National Arboretum during the last financial year. “In its second year, the National Arboretum continued to attract visitors from across Australia and the world. Over 530,000 visitors walked through the Village Centre in 2014/15 compared to 490,700 in 2013/14,” Mr. Rattenbury commented.
Ratenbury explained that the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection has proven to be a major draw card with over 160,000 visitors making their way to the exhibition adjacent to the Village Centre during the past year. The oldest trees in the collection are more than 60 years old.
“With more than 44,000 trees growing on site, a number of improvements to the National Arboretum have also been undertaken during the financial year. These include five shade structures for the popular Pod Playground, two drinking fountains, improvements to both car parks and three new trails will soon be completed.” Mr. Ratenbury commented “It is also pleasing to see that people are choosing to celebrate special times in their lives at the National Arboretum with 111 couples walking down the aisle and 367 functions all taking advantage of the unique views across Canberra.” Ratenbury added.
