THE PORT of Townsville has launched a new community tree planting program. The port said schools and not-for-profit organisations may plant up to 10,000 trees in a year through the program.
The community tree planting program seeks to accelerate the port’s ambition of planting 1 million trees by 2050.
Port of Townsville chief executive officer Ranee Crosby said she hoped to see schools and not-for-profit groups from across the port’s supply chain make use of the program.
“To date, we have planted more than 5500 trees, shrubs and grasses, and are aiming to reach 20,000 by mid 2023. The 10,000 trees on offer through the community tree planting program will put us well on track to reach this target,” Ms Crosby said.
“We’re inviting applications from within communities in all port catchment areas, extending as far north as Hinchinbrook and west to Mount Isa.
“We hope people will embrace the program as a wonderful opportunity to hold community plantings to improve biodiversity and habitat, beautify public spaces and support local stewardship activities.”
The program will provide funding for up to 1000 stems – including trees, shrubs and grasses – per successful applicant. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will care for the plants to see them well established and grown to maturity.
Ms Crosby said everyone would benefit from creating greener communities.
“Green spaces are a major contributor to a region’s liveability, the social connectedness of communities and the health and wellbeing of individuals,” Ms Crosby said.
“The port is very proud to offer a program that can create partnerships with such wide-reaching impact, and we look forward to seeing applications come in.”
The community tree planting program will complement the Port of Townsville’s existing tree planting activities on port lands, which are being held in conjunction with port tenants, users and community stakeholder groups.
