Old Parliament House Gardens Heritage Management Plan

The Old Parliament House Gardens are located within the Parliamentary Zone, the key component of the Central National Area. The gardens were originally the private recreational gardens for the Parliament. The relationship between Old Parliament House and Old Parliament House Gardens is fundamental to the significance of both. The building and gardens were developed essentially as the two major components of the one place.

Heritage Values

The Old Parliament House Gardens (the Gardens) are the Commonwealth Government's first Parliamentary gardens. The Gardens are an integral component of the Old Parliament House complex as place of relaxation, recreation and a venue for special events for both the parliamentarians and parliamentary staff.

The Gardens are significant for contributing to the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Triangle and have an aesthetic quality derived from their formal design layout within an enclosed area, the floral display of the roses in colour coordinated arrangements, the patterned display beds, and the fragrance, colour and beauty of the rose blooms set within the strong evergreen foundation from the intact sweeping lawns, the hedges and background canopies of adjacent trees.

The Gardens is important for its association with many important figures in the life of the Parliament, like Thomas Charles Weston responsible for the original framework planting and Robert Broinowski responsible for their completion.

To read more about the Old Parliament House Gardens heritage values and to view the statutory listing please visit the Australian Heritage Database.

Preparation of a Heritage Management plan

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), all Commonwealth agencies are required to prepare management plans for Commonwealth Heritage listed and nominated places under their management. The purpose of this management plan is to identify, protect and manage the heritage values of the Old Parliament House Gardens.

This management plan was prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles and the requirements under the EPBC Act. This management plan was reviewed by the Australian Heritage Council.

For further information, please contact the NCA on heritage@nca.gov.au or 02 6271 2888.