Bundaberg Regional Council has set an ambitious target of planting one million trees in four years to offset emissions, improve livability and benefit the environment.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the bold vision aims to harness support from community organisations, landowners and residents.
“The project will establish a register of sites where permanent trees can be planted,” he said.
“This will include Council freehold property and private landholdings identified through a public registration of interest.
“The focus will be on environmentally sensitive sites and planting programs that ensure high survival rates.”
Parks and gardens portfolio spokesman Cr Wayne Honor said the initiative was consistent with Council’s Sustainable Bundaberg 2030 strategy.
“It’s part of our long-term commitment to ensure environmental sustainability and promote biodiversity,” he said.
“The project will take a collaborative approach that engages community groups, indigenous organisations, volunteers, commercial nurseries and other levels of government.
“Organisations such as Burnett Mary Regional Group, GreenFleet, Planet Ark and local Landcare groups have indicated general support and stakeholders will be consulted as project planning continues.”
Cr Honor said tree planting is also beneficial in urban areas to improve amenity, increase shade and reduce temperatures.
“We're going to increase our planting of street trees and in parks and open spaces,” he said.
Mayor Dempsey said Council would explore grant opportunities with environmental organisations.
“There will be opportunities for volunteers to get involved when the project begins,” he said.
“We also envisage that residents will be able to access native tube stock to plant native species on residential properties.”
The program is expected to commence on 1 October 2020 and continue until 30 September 2024.
There will be a web page with tools and resources related to the program, including a counter of trees planted over the next four years.
- Other news: 100 native trees to be planted in Queens Park
Instead of planting trees you might be better cleaning up Bundaberg CBD & get something happening to reduce the number of shop vacancies.
You say these million trees “…will include Council freehold property and private landholdings identified through a public registration of interest.”
“We also envisage that residents will be able to access native tube stock to plant native species on residential properties.”
Is this for private properties?
If so yes so, how do I register to have some at my place?
Big is good.
I have been trying to get some trees planted on the approaches to Innes Park for several years. Several Council officials agreed to install trees on the southern side of Innes Park Rd. However, a woman official came over the top and insisted trees would not be planted as it would be too hard to mow around them. What a load of codswallop. Mowers work around poles ,trees and signs. Please get these trees planted and help beautify our Innes Park.
1 Million trees project…. I was going to suggest EXACTLY that to people contesting your latest council election. But didnt because i thought I would be wasting my energy. WOW!!! go Bundy Reg Council!!! We are ex Vics ( Not ex Melbournians…Never) and are amazed at the volume of parklands in Bundy and seaside suburbs. Possibly more parks and gardens here than in ALL vic. What an opportunity to help Air condition our area. Beautify our area and help reduce our ever climbing average temperatures. How can we help?