Native Plant Program

Trees, shrubs and grasses play an important role in our streets, parks and riparian corridors, as well as in our very own backyards. Not only do they provide food and shelter for wildlife, they give the Region its unique character and provide a cooler and more attractive environment for us to live in.

Calling all green thumbs - Native Plant Program is back!

As part of Council’s Bringing Nature Back initiative, Council offers a free native plant program for local residents and landholders.

From Tuesday 23rd July - Thursday 25th July 2024 Rockhampton region residents will be able to collect two free native species for their household.

The native species that will be provided as part of this year's Native Plant Program are:

Drop in to one of the following locations on Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July 2024 to collect your two native plants:

Rockhampton Southside Library (open 9am - 5.30pm)
Gracemere Customer Service Centre (open 9am - 4.30pm)
Mount Morgan Customer Service Centre (open 9am - 4.30pm)

Please note, this program does not provide free native plants for small or large scale events, fetes, promotional programs, prizes, fundraising activities, commercial businesses or government departments. Plants are to be planted on private property and are not designed for planting on Council land or as part of waterway revegetation projects.

Planting your native

Remember the below planting tips:

1. Ensure you have the right plant in the right place in your yard for the right reasons. Always think before you plant and consider the following:

• What space do you have available in your yard for a new plant?
• What constraints do you have in terms of potential height, overhanging branches and root systems in relation to your property or neighbouring boundary lines?
• Are there any issues related to visibility from your driveway, intersection sight lines and access to your property?
• Are there any overhead or underground services, including the service line to your home?
• Is a ‘Dial Before You Dig’ check required to request information on underground cables and services on, or near your property?
• What type of tree/shrub is best suited to your yard?
• Do you want an evergreen or deciduous plant?
• Does the mature plant’s roots, branches, sap, flowers or fruits have the potential to obstruct buildings, fences, pools, footpaths, roads, foundations or vehicle paintwork?
• If you require advice about planting in public areas, check Council’s Tree Management Policy available via the website or contact Customer Service for more information on the local street tree planting guidelines.

2. Clear any grass or mulch to expose the soil.
3. Dig a hole twice the size and depth of the pot.
4. Mix fertiliser in with the soil in the hole.
5. Water the seedling and hole before planting.
6. Plant the seedling slightly below the ground level and back-fill the hole.
7. Make a small well around the plant to catch water.
8. Mulch around the plant, ensuring no mulch touches the stem.
9. Water thoroughly after planting.
10. Check in on your plant and water regularly:

• Month 1 - twice a week
• Month 2 & 3 - once a week
• Beyond 3 months - once a month

Find out more about native plants

To find out more about a range of native plants found in our Region, the following fact sheets have been put together with assistance from local community group Native Plants Capricornia.

You can pick up your free native plant at nominated dates and sites in the lead up to National Tree Day each year. Keep an eye on Council's Latest News and Facebook page for the next program dates. Alternatively subscribe to Council’s Sustainability e-Newsletter for further information on upcoming plant giveaways.

Native Plant Program

Calling all green thumbs - Native Plant Program is back!

Planting your native

Find out more about native plants

Ground cover (Under 1m)

Shrubs (Between 1m - 5m)

Small trees (Between 5m - 10m)

Large trees (Over 10m)