Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner
Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra
The National Seed Bank has undergone a major upgrade at its current Canberra site, to safeguard more of Australia's native plants for generations to come.
The Australian Government has invested $5.7 million to support the centre in delivering expanded seed storage and more research opportunities, at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
The facility will play a vital role in protecting more than 4,000 species from threats such as climate change, fire and habitat loss.
Upgrades to the National Seed Bank include:
- Larger seed biology lab for studying seed traits and germination
- New seed preparation lab for cleaning and sorting seeds
- Expanded incubator room for testing seed germination under different conditions
- Specialist imaging rooms - separate seed X-ray and microscope spaces
- Bigger seed dry room to reduce seed moisture before storage
- State-of-the-art walk-in seed vault at -20°C for long-term preservation
- Dedicated cold room at 4-5°C for medium-term storage
- New office and meeting spaces to support research, collaboration and volunteer activities
The National Seed Bank's enhanced facilities will also support the Australian Seed Bank Partnership - an alliance of 10 conservation seed banks nationwide - which has already secured more than 13,000 plant species, including 942 of Australia's nationally listed threatened flora species.
Alongside government funding, the upgrade benefited from strong donor support - the $1.27 million of donor funding received is providing for additional specialist equipment and facilities.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the National Seed Bank is at the frontline of efforts to secure the future of our precious native plants.
"The Seed Bank is our key to protecting native species into the future, and making sure our unique plant life will continue to form part of Australia's landscape," Minister Watt said.
"The old facility had well and truly outgrown its storage capacity so through this significant upgrade, staff will be able to store more species and embrace new research technology.
"The upgrade will deliver outstanding benefits for science and conservation, and the investment reflects the Government's commitment to protecting Australia's biodiversity."
Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh welcomed the investment.
"The National Seed Bank is Canberra's library of life, Dr Leigh said.
"Each seed is a volume in the story of our continent, waiting to be opened by future scientists.
"The volunteers who support the Seed Bank bring remarkable care and commitment to their work, helping to preserve Australia's native plants for generations to come."
Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne said the centre would be an important facility for the future.
"The National Seed Bank in Canberra plays a critical role in the protection of native plants and supporting our unique Australian biodiversity in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
"I'm proud that our Government is supporting this important institution and its work."
