ISHS Acta Horticulturae 672: IV International Symposium on Horticultural Education, Extension and Training
URBAN PARK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA |
| Author: | D.E. Aldous |
| Keywords: | parks and gardens, amenity horticulture, environmental horticulture |
| Abstract:
Recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics list some 53,000 national parks, recreational parks and gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, tourist caves, botanic gardens, arboreta and herbaria in Australia that cover over 29 million ha. Management of these resources involves some 16,000 full-time and 2,000 part-time staff, some 13,000 volunteers and costs around $AUD1.43 billion. To gain a better insight into Australia’s urban park industry, the author investigated the current educational and training profiles offered by the universities and colleges and reflects on recent research conducted by an e-mail questionnaire of Victorian urban park managers. Results show that the Victorian park manager has largely been educated to the undergraduate diploma and baccalaureate as well as the post-graduate diploma level. Technical and further education (TAFE) vocational training was still playing a significant part, particularly in the areas of supervision, recreation and horticulture. Traditionally, the horticulturist has taken the career pathway into urban parks and gardens or urban parks and recreation departments. However, with increased leisure time and environmental awareness, employers are now seeking an employee that comprehensively perceives urban parks and recreation as interrelated areas of knowledge. | |
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