Council branches out with Street Tree Planting program

Published on 25 July 2024

Rockhampton Regional Council is launching its brand-new Street Tree Planting Program in neighbourhoods today, with 165 trees to be planted across the Region.

Over 200 enthusiastic residents responded to the May call for expressions of interest in the pilot program, eager to transform their front footpaths.

Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the pilot program is a fantastic example of Council and residents working together to make the Region a more sustainable and beautiful place to live.

“We are really excited to work together with the community for this project and have been blown away by the level of support and response from the community,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Our Parks team have been busily assessing over 200 nominations from local residents and we’re thrilled that 165 sites have been approved across Rockhampton, Gracemere and Mount Morgan.

“Each site will receive a native species that will grow between six to eight metres in height, enhancing the character of our neighbourhoods.”

Cr Rutherford said the new trees add to an already impressive number planted in the region recently.

“Our Parks team have planted 346 new trees over the last couple of months, and the street trees bring that total to over 500,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Our crews will closely monitor the growth of each tree within the first few months of being planted and will also work with program participants on how they too can support the trees’ long-term health.”

One of the program participants is JB Estremos, who welcomed two new trees to his area this morning. 

“I was really excited to hear about the program - our family just moved to this new property last year and have always been passionate about tree planting,” Mr Estremos said.

“Participating in this program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance our local environment and contribute to the beautification of the community.

“By getting involved, I hope to play a part in creating a greener and more vibrant neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy.”

The Street Tree Planting Program is part of Council’s Urban Greening Policy, which works to enhance the green infrastructure of the Rockhampton Region through a series of strategic actions.

Some of Council’s Urban Greening Policy achievements for the 23/24 year:

• 3,500 native plants planted as part of Council’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) works

• Landscaping project for Jefferies Park – including 461m2 of garden beds, 625 understorey plants and 5 additional trees

• Establishment of the Significant Tree Tour with Advance Rockhampton

• 24 tree protection kerbed pits created as part of the George Street tree protection project and the Lower River Carpark tree protection project

• 14 tree pits installed as part of the Campbell Street, Rockhampton upgrade