Opening of mosaic staircase & garden display in Kings Park

September 1, 1998

To celebrate the first day of spring today, Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes opened a mosaic staircase and new garden display in Kings Park, recognising the beauty and significance of Western Australia's wattles.

Mrs Edwardes said the first day of spring was celebrated in Australia as the day our glorious natural fauna blossoms. She said that in particular, today was recognised as 'the day of the wattle' - Australia's natural emblem.

To mark the occasion, the Minister opened the new 'Acacia Steps' attraction in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

"Locally educated Australian artist Stuart Green was commissioned to design and build the 'Acacia Steps' to recognise the importance of wattles as our most prolific species," Mrs Edwardes said.

"About 60 of the most spectacular WA wattles have been planted adjacent to the Acacia Steps to complement the artwork.

"The wattles depicted in the artwork are reflected in the plantings adjacent to each landing."

Mrs Edwardes said the species had been arranged to highlight the evolutionary development of acacias, from the most primitive at the bottom to the most advanced at the top. Australia's leading wattle botanist, CALM Senior Research Scientist Bruce Maslin, selected the species used in the mosaic.

"This new attraction will give visitors to the park a snapshot of the diversity of Western Australia's 560 known acacia species," the Minister said.

"The acacia is a dominant feature of the floral landscape over much of WA."

Mrs Edwardes said the Shire of Dalwallinu was recognised as 'The Wattle Shire' so it was fitting that students from the Wubin Primary School attended the launch.

The children also gave a performance of their own to tribute the wattle and the first day of spring.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777