The City of Busselton has embarked on a large-scale planting effort as part of its annual winter environmental program.
The 2018 project is particularly focused on greening the central business district, residential and foreshore areas, and public spaces around Port Geographe.
In total, close to 80,000 trees will be planted throughout the city.
City of Busselton deputy mayor John McCallum said the winter planting program provided many benefits.
“Trees and shrubs provide vital shelter for native fauna and can help stabilise vulnerable areas against erosion,” he said.
“They provide noise and amenity buffers and help beautify the area which contributes significantly to the well-being of our residents.”
The project will be carried out by the city’s horticulture and environmental teams, with the support of contractors and volunteer groups.
More than 1100 established trees will be planted on verges, reserves and parks.
The majority are peppermint trees but other varieties include red flowering gum, bottlebrush and paperbarks.
Native areas such as bushland and the wetlands will be re-vegetated by in excess of 55,000 native tubestock seedlings.
In addition to this, 23,600 larger nursery-grown native trees will be planted in parks, open spaces and street areas to improve amenity.
This includes maintenance replanting of entry statements, public open spaces, roundabouts and newly constructed works such as new public areas in Port Geographe, Marine Terrace and Dunsborough town centre.
Mr McCallum commended the efforts of city officers and thanked individuals and volunteer groups who had shown support for the planting project.
“We simply wouldn’t be able to achieve this outcome without community support,” he said.
The planting program will run until late September/ early October.
Tree planting volunteers are still welcome.
For more information, contact City of Busselton environmental management officer Kay Lehman on 9781 1721 or Kay.Lehman@busselton.wa.gov.au.
