Northern beaches to get hands dirty for tree planting day

Northern beaches residents are being urged to put their green thumbs to good use in planting more than 500 native trees, shrubs and coastal vines as part of Townsville City Council’s community tree planting day this Tuesday.

The community event is set to kick off from 9am at the Toolakea Esplanade, with a Council spokesperson saying the event was to re-vegetate the old carpark area, preventing coastal erosion and providing a habitat for native wildlife.

“While our vision is to create a globally connected community here in Townsville, it is first and foremost driven by our enviable lifestyle and our natural environment,” they said.

“Our region’s natural environment is truly second to none, so it’s important that as a community people get behind the protection of our dry tropics and reef coast.

“Events like community tree planting days not only do a lot for our environment, but they encourage our community to take pride in our open spaces, while enhancing our own backyard.

“Alongside any planting equipment needed, Council will be supplying about 500 native plants, targeted for the prevention of coastal erosion of the area.

“The coastal species have been specifically chosen for the area and have been propagated at Council’s Native Plant Nursery.

“All volunteers are encouraged to wear sun protection, gloves and closed in shoes, and for those in attendance there will be a native plant to take home as a thank-you.”