Gold Coast Botanic Garden was heavily impacted by Cyclone Alfred which crossed the SE Queensland Coast on the 8th March with the highest winds recorded at 165km/h. Over 150 trees greater than 10 metres were destroyed from the event through high winds alone as well as damage to the mid-story and understory due to crushing of the Living Collections by larger trees or floodwater inundation. The Gardens were closed to the public from 6th March and as a result of significant damage to the Living Collection and Assets. Consequently, with the clean -up and restoration required, didn't reopen to the public until just prior to Easter 2025.

You will be taken through a pictorial journey of the damage sustained and the amazing work that staff and contractors undertook to regain safe access to the Garden with a goal to reopening the garden for the local residents and tourists to enjoy once again.

We will discuss the merits of the current Living Collection and the upcoming development opportunities for Gold Coast Botanic Garden with a focus on assessing the existing site and its limitations. How do we adapt to more frequent storm events and create and rebuild a more resilient Living Collection for future generations to be inspired by and enjoy?