The Schrinner Council will plant hundreds of trees at bus stops across Brisbane to help commuters stay cool and sun safe.
Civic Cabinet Chair for Environment, Parks and Sustainability Tracy Davis said the planting of 900 trees at more than 200 bus stops would grow Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s greenest capital city.
“Trees provide much-needed natural shade and cooling for our city, and residents told us they wanted to see more cover around bus stops which is what this program will do,” Cr Davis said.
“Through this program, Council identified locations across Brisbane that were best-suited for shade trees.
“Trees have been chosen for their suitability to bus stops, including those with dense foliage for maximum shade, have non-invasive roots, won’t interrupt vehicle sight lines and are unlikely to regularly shed foliage and make footpaths slippery.
“Varieties include the lemon-scented myrtle, ivory curl, pink flowering bottlebrush, blueberry ash, crow’s ash, Australian tulipwood, Queensland brush box and the small leaved Lilly Pilly.
“Around 900 trees are expected to be planted by October.”
Cr Davis said the $200,000 investment was in addition to Council’s commitment to greening Brisbane’s suburbs.
“We plant more than 13,500 trees each year, targets areas that are hotter, have lower shade or tree cover as well as areas with there are a higher density of young and elderly residents,” she said.
“This year, street tree planting will be undertaken in Carina, Middle Park, Runcorn, Stafford, Sunnybank Hills and Taigum.
“We also encourage the community to take part in greening their suburbs through our community tree planting program.
“These events offer a fantastic day out for residents and families who can get together with neighbours and friends to plant new trees while enjoying a barbecue and cold drink afterward.
“These plantings target sunny and open footpaths in residential suburbs to increase shade in local neighbourhoods.”
The next community street tree planting events are in New Ivo Street Park, Nundah on Saturday 30 April and Bill Key Lock Place Park, Inala on Saturday 14 May.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.
