7.6 POWER SUPPLY
Background
The electricity supply for the Gardens in Canberra and at Jervis Bay
is taken from the local distribution system. At Jervis Bay power
distribution is limited to the administration building and adjoining
small nursery, the water pump at the lake and the "Green Hut".
Three supply lines provide power to the Gardens in Canberra, two
serving the northern area and the other the major buildings in the
central area. The supply to the central area has recently been
upgraded to provide a more reliable service to buildings and
facilities and to include the Crosbie Morrison Centre. There are
filtered and battery back-up systems connected to the PABX, the
computer network and hardware in the Botany Building, the computers
in the Franklin Building, and the irrigation control system. Four of
the glasshouses are heated using electricity; the other three use
diesel, with a gas-fired back-up system to two of them. The bushfire
protection system is controlled by electric pumps with a diesel
back-up system. Gas is used to heat some of the main buildings.
Management prescriptions
Objective
The objective is to provide a reliable and efficient power supply for
facilities and management of the Gardens, including a filtered and
uninterruptible power supply to computing systems.
Implementation
In Canberra, the electricity supply to the northern parts of the
Gardens will be examined in the context of developments proposed for
that area and will be rationalised and upgraded as necessary.
An uninterruptible power supply will be provided to computing
facilities in the administration and public programs buildings.
Alternatives to the electric heating systems in the older glasshouses
will be examined and more cost efficient solutions will be adopted
where appropriate.
Power supply needs at Jervis Bay will be examined during the
preparation of the development planning guide and will be upgraded as
necessary.