Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My wife, Yolonde, and I are both very proud to be new members of the Mossman Botanic Garden, a unique project in the world of botany and conservation. Mossman Botanic Garden began an incredible journey seven years ago with an idea of a botanical garden run as a not-for-profit organisation situated in a world-class tourism destination. It is in the heart of the world-famous, World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.

The garden's vision is to provide much-needed jobs and employment in the Douglas Shire, deliver conservation and education outcomes, and support a sustainable business in a regional economy. It has already grown into so much more. As an organisation, the Mossman Botanic Garden has spent a lot of time creating a business and governance structure and developing a truly stunning master plan for the site. This will allow the garden to work with government agencies, research and education facilities, philanthropic groups and the local and global communities.

The garden has welcomed the support it has received from the Australian government and the Douglas Shire Council to date. Now the garden needs the community to show its support for this great initiative. For just $50, you can join. If you are keen to encourage the development of a world-class botanical garden in a world-class rainforest, showcasing the Daintree Rainforest and the Wet Tropics, I urge you to become a member.