Community
6 April, 2021
Cassowary Coast Regional Council's Free tree giveaway
Cassowary Coast Regional Council is encouraging residents to build a greener tomorrow by taking advantage of Council’s free native tree giveaway.
Each resident is able to collect up to two native trees and add a native touch to their garden, Councillor and Environment portfolio holder Jeff Baines said.
“The Trees for Tomorrow giveaway encourages residents to incorporate native plant species into their gardens.
"Native plants generally require less water than exotic species, are low maintenance, and provide a reliable food source and valuable habitat for native wildlife.
“Through this giveaway, Council aims to increase the number of local native plants grown in the Cassowary Coast, whilst building awareness about the benefits of local native plants.
"All native plants available through the program are grown at local Council nurseries.”
Cr Jeff Baines said that there are four trees available that residents can choose from. This includes the Blue Quongdong tree, which has bright blue fruit eaten by many birds and animals including Cassowaries and the Musky Kangaroo Rat. The nectar rich flowers also attracts many birds, butterflies and moths.
“Also on offer is the Golden Bouquet Tree, Qld Kauri Pine and the Broad leaf Lilly-Pilly. I hear the Lilly-Pilly grows a lovely white, fleshy fruit that is suitable for making jam and jelly and is also the food plant of the common oak blue butterfly.
“Residents may not be aware that Council nurseries sell many varieties of native plants year round and residents can visit to purchase these throughout the year.”
The free native tree giveaway is on Thursday and Friday 8, 9 April and Thursday and Friday 15 and 16 of April from 8.30am to 3.00pm.
Residents of the Cassowary Coast can collect 2 free trees each in person from either the council nursery in Innisfail or Tully. Limit two trees per person. Numbers are limited.
Innisfail Council Nursery located at corner of Sundown and Campbell Streets, Innisfail.
Tully Council Nursery – Council depot, Anderson St, Tully.
