The government increased the maximum length of commercial leases in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain from eight to 50 Years. While I acknowledge that eight-year periods fail to promote business viability or encourage investment, in Parliament I raised concerns that long leases incentivise commercialisation. I’m particularly concerned about the car park being locked into the future when the space could be better used for public recreation. The safeguards against commercialisation in the bill for ministerial approval for leases or licences over five years and an open tender process for leases and licences over 10 years rely on the will of the government of the day. I will continue to advocate for decisions on the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain to focus on its public green open space, recreational and botanical science values.

My speech > HERE.