A new report estimates the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens will deliver a net benefit of $56.6 million to the region over the next 20 years.
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The Economic and Social Benefit Analysis also estimates that, during the construction period of the garden and Visitor Centre, 40 full time equivalent jobs would be created, with a value of about $16.8 million over this three year period.
The Botanic Gardens' Economic Report was presented ato Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith on August 30.
SHBG chairman Charlotte Webb said Mr Smith seemed suitably impressed, particularly as the document had just been received by the SHBG board.
"I saw that his eyes were pinned to the document and he clutched it tightly as he left our meeting," Mrs Webb said.
"We had the meeting to discuss our application to the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund for a grant to fund the construction of our education centre at the garden, which he fully supports.
"Our Economic and Social Benefit Analysis gives us great confidence that, once fully established, the garden and Visitor Centre will provide huge economic and social benefits to the region. Importantly, it will bring new and varied jobs to the district."
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The tourism industry will benefit following the construction period, with an estimated 18 new jobs being created, adding an additional $18 million to the tourism industry.
Mrs Webb said the SHBG board hoped the report would help generate interest.
"There is some serious fundraising [planned] in the near future as we ramp up our efforts to raise funds for the cost of establishing the garden and the visitor centre," she said.
"These are key to the future of SHBG."
