South Australian Museum's New Biodiversity Gallery

The State Government has committed $1.9 million to a new gallery at the SA Museum that will highlight South Australia's unique biodiversity - and track our nation-leading initiatives to manage climate change. A further contribution of $800,000 will also be confirmed from BHP Billiton.

Premier Mike Rann will today announce the development of the $3.8 million Back to Life Biodiversity Gallery, which will become a major focus for the SA Museum.

"This gallery will be a fantastic new addition to the museum and will provide all South Australians with an insight into our wealth of natural flora and fauna - while also delivering a strong message about the impacts of climate change,'' he said.

"The gallery will be developed through the State Government funding - as well as a generous $800,000 contribution from BHP Billiton and other sponsors.

"Back to Life will also be a significant scientific tool for our children - and indeed all South Australians - teaching us about our natural history - and providing a guide to our future development in the face of climate change."

Other major contributions for the gallery will come from Newmont Australia, SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resource Management Board, SA Water, SITA Environmental Solutions and the Museum's own
Foundation.

The new gallery will showcase South Australia's rich biodiversity across four geographical zones - arid, temperate, coastal and marine. It will occupy an entire floor of the museum's east wing and include a Climate Change Centre. This centre will provide information on and access to the full range of government and private sector initiatives reflecting South Australia's leadership in climate change awareness and action. Premier Rann said SA was already leading the way nationally on combating climate change.

"SA is a leader in embracing renewable energy, with 51 per cent of the nation's wind power, and more than 45 per cent of the nation's gridconnected solar power,'' he said.

"And soon we will become the only state in Australia - and just one of a few places in the world - to legislate to combat climate change. "Our proposed legislation will enforce greenhouse targets, including that 20-percent of the state's electricity must come from renewable energy." Premier Rann said the SA Museum was the logical backdrop for the gallery.

"The museum is already recognised nationally as an important scientific research facility and educational centre,'' Premier Rann said. "The addition of this gallery helps to build on and expand the museum's educational role as a centre for scientific discovery. The gallery will greatly enhance an understanding of the importance of the State's biodiversity and the ways in which we can all help it to be preserved amongst children and adults alike.''

Dr Roger Higgins, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Base Metals Australia - BHP Billiton, said the company strongly supported the establishment of its gallery to highlight biodiversity. "We are pleased to support the development of the biodiversity gallery as an important means of fostering knowledge of our state's natural environment," he said.

"The aim of the gallery closely aligns with much of the work our company undertakes in its environmental management at various operations around the country and in particular at Olympic Dam."

Steve Riley, General Manager of the SA Museum, said the new gallery would not only present a fantastic visitor experience, but would also become a significant resource in informing the growing community awareness, interest and concern in respect of environmental issues.

"The Museum is indebted to the outstanding support of State Government and the private sector in jointly allowing this important project to get underway,'' he said. "The Museum and its Foundation will continue to seek further community engagement and support as this project develops to ensure the gallery and Climate Change Centre reflects the very best world standard."

Planning for the gallery will start shortly. -- www.samuseum.sa.gov.au