River Trees to Help Grow More Resilient Waterways

Scenic Rim landholders are encouraged to apply for up to 1000 free native plants to help grow more resilient waterways across the region.

Council's successful River Trees Initiative has been extended from the Bremer River catchment to include all Scenic Rim properties bordering waterways to help reduce erosion and improve the stability of stream banks and water quality.

Mayor Greg Christensen said benefits from the strategic planting of native species would flow on to the entire Scenic Rim region.

"The aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie last year saw our region experience widespread loss of valuable agricultural soils and damage to bridges and culverts," he said.

"Planting trees in the right places can reduce the velocity of water during floods, helping to protect our valuable farmland as well as our public assets.

"As well as reducing the impact of floods, plantings can help our ecosystem by providing habitats for fish and wildlife in our river systems."

Landowners can apply for tubestock plants from 11 available native species specially selected for their environmental value. These include Queensland Bluegum, White Cedar, Weeping Bottlebrush, Native Frangipani, Black Teatree, Mat Rush, Flax Lily, River She-Oak, Maidens Wattle, Silky Oak, and Broad-leaved Apple.

Each application for plants will be assessed on its merit and the availability of species appropriate for that area.

"We need to respect and protect our river systems and, if managed carefully, the benefits will continue downstream," Cr Christensen said.

Applications for the River Trees Initiative close Monday 21 May, 2018. Apply online at www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/million-trees