Think Global - Act Local

The Riddiford Arboretum is about preserving your local environment.

It's a piece of the Outback, less than a minute's walk from one of Australia's major inland shopping centres.

The Future

The future of the Arboretum depends on you .. just like anywhere else on the planet the local environment determines the quality of life on earth. Native gardens and trees are not only easily maintained, they also help the environment as a whole for everything alive on earth including our children and grandchildren. If you care about the future of anyone or anything alive on earth, planting a native tree is a simple and practical way of being a part of the solution to the biggest problems we will ever face together.

Gasworks Reserve Storm Water detention basin opens

The Gasworks Reserve water detention basin, Broken Hill's latest storm water project was officially opened on 28th July 2010 at 11.30 am. The Gasworks Reserve Storm water detention basin (The Gasworks Reserve basin) was developed to avoid local flooding (Mercury Street in particular), whilst converting the previously polluted and abandoned Gasworks Site into a pleasant area for recreation in Broken Hill's West. Mayor Cuy remarked that "This area was identified as a high priority drainage upgrade area considering historical flooding hotspots and significant roads.  This development will reduce the flow for more frequent flooding events and assist to mitigate flows in an extreme event." In the storm water master plan of 2006, the capacity of the storm water drainage system for the area was assessed, flood prone areas were identified and a works plan to improve management of flood prone areas of the City was identified and outlined.  The detention basin will release controlled flows to Cornish St and in major storm events, to Mercury Street. The Gasworks Reserve Basin has the capacity to detain 6000 m3 of storm water temporarily & diverts upstream water through underground culverts.
Broken HillÕs Mayor Winscen Cuy said that local Organisations saw opportunities for this development and worked together for the projectÕs success.  This indicates the City's dedication to achieve successful outcomes for the region by working closely with the Commonwealth Government.  The Gasworks Reserve Basin has proved a good working model, especially for more expensive projects. $659,000, funded through The Commonwealth Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program ensured that the $1.1 Million project came to fruition.  Mayor Cuy said, ÒThis is an important example of what can be achieved when the Community, Government and Organisations work together.