Redland City Council Bushcare is calling on residents to come out in force to help plant 1500 koala food and habitat trees this Sunday 3 May.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a koala community planting would be held at Three Paddocks Park in Birkdale with the aim of enhancing wildlife refuge areas.

“This event is an important part of our annual tree plantings and a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors while helping our local koalas and other wildlife,” Cr Williams said.

“I encourage residents to roll up their sleeves and take part because it will make a really positive impact on our local environment.

“As you drive around the Redlands you can see the results of Council’s previous community plantings, including the first planting site, done in 2003 at Fielding Park, Redland Bay, which is now heavily vegetated and used by local wildlife.

“The plantings are so successful that people may not even realise that many areas of local bushland are there because Council and community volunteers have worked together to restore and enhance habitats.”

Other previously planted areas include Ziegenfusz Park, Cleveland planted 2009; Smith Street, Cleveland planted in 2012; and Main Street, Redland Bay in 2014.

Redland City Council’s environmental spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said Council would work with the community to plant thousands of koala habitat and food trees this year.

“On average Council’s Bushcare Program plants approximately 15,000 trees each year, providing homes for the Redlands’ precious wildlife,” he said.

“We are also working with SEQ Catchments and community groups on the Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees initiative, which will see 14,200 trees planted along the Koala Coast.

“This is in addition to the 38,000 koala food trees Council has planted in the last five years.

“We’d love to see the community out in force on 3 May to help with the planting, enjoy the free sausage sizzle and even take home a free native seedling for their efforts.”

EVENT DETAILS
When: Sunday May 3 2015, 9 – 11am
Where: Three Paddocks Park, Thomas St, Birkdale
Bring: Enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water
Provided: Plants, equipment, sunscreen, gloves and sausage sizzle

For more information contact Bushcare on 3824 8611.