Townsville residents have rolled up their sleeves to plant 250 seedlings today in the first of three community tree plantings along Dalrymple Road.
More than 2,000 native trees will be planted as part of the greening program by Powerlink Queensland and Townsville City Council.
The program follows the completion of Powerlink’s construction project to replace an electricity transmission line along Dalrymple Road in Garbutt, Currajong, Heatley and Vincent.
Division 7 Councillor Kurt Rehbein said with water restrictions easing back to Level 2, the planting could begin.
“These trees are native and drought-resistant – we are committed to being water-wise during this program and the trees will be watered with bore water and well-maintained,” Cr Rehbein said.
“We have been working closely with Powerlink to develop this initiative to increase the number of green spaces in our city.
“This program involves not only the three community tree plantings, but we’re also working on improving the food garden at Heatley Secondary College and revegetating the electricity transmission corridor along Dalrymple Road.
“It would be great to see Townsville community join us for the next tree planting events and enjoy a sausage sizzle while the kids get their face painted.”
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York thanked local residents and volunteers who attended the first tree planting.
“This initiative is about providing tangible and lasting positive benefits for the local community and environment,” Ms York said.
“Powerlink recently finished building a replacement electricity transmission line along Dalrymple Road to ensure the ongoing safe, reliable supply of electricity to Townsville into the future.
“This was a complex project due to the transmission line’s close proximity to nearby residents, businesses and Dalrymple Road.
“We greatly appreciated everyone’s patience and cooperation during construction. This greening program will help to offset local project impacts, increase vegetation along a major road corridor and provide more habitats for local wildlife, while promoting water efficiency.”
More information on additional community tree planting events can be found at www.townsville.qld.gov.au or by phoning Council’s Community Environmental Restoration Team on 13 48 10.
