Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is urging residents of all ages to get involved in Council’s free tree planting program and help make Brisbane even better.
Cr Schrinner said more than 40,000 street trees had been planted under the Greener Suburbs Program in just four years, ensuring Brisbane remained the cleanest and greenest capital city in Australia.
“Brisbane was recently recognised as one of the world’s top 50 greatest places to visit which I’m sure wouldn’t have come as a surprise to our residents,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Part of the reason why Brisbane is attracting so much global attention right now is because we’re not only a fast-growing and vibrant destination, we are also recognised for being clean and green.
“Compare flying over our city to the likes of Sydney and Melbourne and it’s obvious that Brisbane has a tremendous amount of tree cover.
“Initiatives like our Greener Suburbs Program have helped achieved that.”
Cr Schrinner said the tens of thousands of street and park trees planted each year under the Greener Suburbs Program also help to make neighbourhoods more liveable and attractive.
“Shady and attractive streets are an important part of Brisbane’s character as well as our outdoor, subtropical lifestyle,” he said.
“Having so much tree cover also helps cool our parks, playgrounds and pathways.
“There’s also an environmental dividend with more trees helping to improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and cut greenhouse gases while also providing shelter for wildlife.”
Three Greener Suburbs Community Street tree planting events are planned this month in Upper Kedron (6 May), Rochedale (13 May) and Acacia Ridge (27 May).
“These events are free fun for the whole family and there’s no need to book,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There’s a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available and volunteers receive a free plant for their own garden.
“It’s a great way for kids to connect with nature although remember to be sun safe and wear sturdy shoes.”
Cr Schrinner said in addition to the more than 40,000 trees planted under Green Suburbs, more than 660,000 free native plants had been handed out to residents.
“Our bushland and wildlife preservation policies are important and so is ensuring our suburbs remain green and a place where people want to live, thrive, and raise their families,” he said.
“When people from around the world visit Brisbane, they will see not only a thriving, modern city, but also green, subtropical boulevards and leafy suburbs.
“I encourage residents to take advantage of Council’s Free Native Plants program to help promote a healthy ecosystem that benefits the whole neighbourhood.”
For more details, please visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search Greener Suburbs Program.
