12 March 2010

Environmental care

As Floriade grows, so do the challenges economically, socially and environmentally. In meeting these challenges Australian Capital Tourism has developed a Strategic plan for Floriade for the period 2009–13. This plan provides a blueprint to focus our activities in developing and growing Floriade as a world-class tourism event. The plan acknowledges our role as industry leaders in developing tourism in the ACT as well as innovation in environmental practices.

Getting to Floriade

To ensure that environmental impact is beyond the gates of Floriade Australian Capital Tourism has developed a communication strategy which proposes alternative ways patrons can get to Floriade and Floriade NightFest. For transport and parking options click here

For your convenience, bicycle racks provided by Pedal Power are located at the Parkes Way and Regatta Point entrances to Floriade. Make sure you bring your own chain and lock, as bicycles and tricycles must be left at the gate.

Green Power @ Floriade

A partnership has been established with the Department of The Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water who are sponsoring the green component of the Floriade and NightFest.

Lighting NightFest

Energy saving globes have been installed for public space lighting and LED power saving globes have been procured for the aesthetic lighting for NightFest.

Green catering

Floriade’s official caterers are assisting with our green mission by using recyclable serving containers such as bamboo plates and utensils as well as recycled paper goods such as napkins.

We have also provided our workforce, volunteers and long term suppliers with reusable drink bottles and have ordered bulk Neverfail dispensers to reduce the amount of plastic bottles.

Green with Envi

Floriade and Floriade NightFest marketing material has been printed on Australian made 100% carbon neutral ENVI paper stock. The Australian Government's Department of Climate Change has accredited this paper stock as 'whole-of-life' carbon netural. Material includes  brochures and maps, posters and the official Floriade program published by The Canberra Times. For more information about ENVI go to www.envi.com.au

Recycling facilities

Additional recycling facilities will be installed throughout the park to encourage patrons to recycle their waste paper, glass & cans. As well as mass recycling facilities for use for caterers and suppliers.

Saving water at Floriade

In response to environmental impacts and water restrictions Australian Capital Tourism have adopted a number of water saving measures to reduce the environmental impacts of hosting Canberra’s flagship event. Some of these measures include:

• Floriade’s main water supply is provided from Lake Burley Griffin. In partnership with the National Capital Authority, Australian Capital Tourism is committed to ensuring responsible water usage and management for Floriade.
• The sprinkler system in Commonwealth Park has been changed from the quick coupler system to an automatic irrigation system which allows for better efficiency and accuracy.
• Accountability measures from the horticultural maintenance team to be more vigilant on water usage.
• The Floriade Horticultural Service Provider, Parks Conservation and Lands has calculated water use for both best case and worst case scenarios for Floriade. The best case scenario is 2.24 Mega litres (2.24 million litres) per annum and worst case scenario is 3.4 Mega Litres (3.4 million litres) per annum. For Floriade 2007 the Horticultural Service Provider achieved best the case scenario due to rainfall levels experienced during the restoration period (post Floriade where the park is restored to its natural state).

Site Preservation

The Floriade Garden Soil is supplied by Martins Fertilizers. Through the partnership Australian Capital Tourism maintains with Martins Fertilizers, the soil for Floriade is designed to absorb and retain moisture, is a free draining nutrient rich soil and may be used on its own or to enrich existing soil and garden beds. This mix complies with Australian Standards and contains:

• Wetting agent – to aid in moisture absorption. It will help the mix absorb moisture quicker and more evenly through out the mix, saving water.
• Gypsum – to improve soil structure, increase water penetration and increase aeration which will enhance plant root development.
• Trace elements – providing plants their full nutritional requirements.
• Controlled release fertiliser – contains controlled release of nutrients for up to nine months of healthy plant growth.
• Australian made – Martins Fertilizers is 100% family owned Australian company.

Floriade pots and hanging baskets contain the same Floriade Garden Soil, including its water saving capabilities.

The Floriade Horticultural Service Provider cap off sprinkler in areas of Commonwealth Park where water is not required, i.e. under marquee sites and adjacent to event catering areas.

The Floriade Horticultural Service Provider manipulate and adjust sprinkler heads to ensure water is directed onto garden beds as efficiently as possible

Sustainability in the program

Floriade Showcase Gardens presented by Actew Corporation – exhibitors are required to use low water use and drought tolerant plants where practical. Exhibitors are also asked to consider other elements of water conservation for example, the use of mulches and water reservoirs for water features.

At the end of the day

After Floriade, Commonwealth Park must be restored and rectified by the Floriade Horticultural Service Provider in accordance with guidelines determined by agreement with the National Capital Authority. This includes returfing areas of Commonwealth Park that have been affected by Floriade garden beds and infrastructure. Turf varieties that require less water to establish and maintain are used wherever possible, for example Couch grass. This particular variety could survive if stage 4 water restrictions come into effect.