Thousands of native plants help green the Region

Published on 01 August 2023

More than 80 local green thumbs marked National Tree Day on Sunday by attending Rockhampton Regional Council’s community planting session at Yeppen Lagoon.

Parks, Sports and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said it’s fantastic that so many people were eager to roll up their sleeves and help plant hundreds of native species.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who headed to the Yeppen Lagoon planting site on Sunday and helped celebrate National Tree Day,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Three planting sessions were held across the morning and each session welcomed an enthusiastic crowd.

“Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the site is now home to 600 new native plants which will help shade and cool the area and improve habitat for our local wildlife.

“This was the third year we have hosted planting sessions alongside Yeppen Lagoon, and you can already see such a change to the area and just how big an impact these events and its participants can have.”

All participants were also able to take a native plant home as a thank you.

Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor Donna Kirkland said the planting event wrapped up a busy and important week in the environmental calendar, with Council also running its Native Plant Program.

“Our Native Plant Program is held this time each year and offers local residents the chance to collect free native plants to plant in their yards and gardens,” Cr Kirkland said.

“We had over 3,500 native plants given away last week, with four different native species provided.

“It was another huge hit with the community with more than 1,200 local residents collecting plants to take home.

“A further 32 schools, educational centres and community groups also participated in the popular program this year.

“Council is proud to deliver our Native Plant Program and National Tree Day events to work with our community to help protect, maintain and enhance our Region’s natural environment.

“These programs are great ways that our community can make a difference - we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

Keep an eye out on Council’s website and Facebook page to get involved in these annual programs.