The plan was conceived in 2008 as an answer to the drought crisis of the current day and involved the capture of storm water throughout the region of East Geelong for redistribution throughout Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. This required a full restructuring of the irrigation system that would connect to the 250,000 liter storage tanks that would be placed at the edge of the gardens. While this reconstruction was underway, all plant life previously connected to the old irrigation system would be analyzed to further improve the efficiency of the new irrigation system's design. The full restructuring of the irrigation systems commenced in 2013 and finalized in 2017 along with the development of the storm water treatment facility. 21st Century Gardens The gardens were renovated in 2002, with a new section for arid-climate and local native plants opened. It features a dramatic entrance with Queensland Bottle Trees (Brachychiton rupestris), combining architectural plants with modern garden sculptures. The species Livistona mariae and Macrozamia macdonnellii were feature plants in an exhibition of Central Australian flora. References External links Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens Tourist attractions in Geelong Botanical gardens in Victoria (Australia) Parks in Geelong 1851 establishments in Australia Heritage-listed buildings in Greater Geelong