Dig in for National Tree Day

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley is encouraging people across the country to plant a tree today, as part of National Tree Day.

National Tree Day is the nation’s largest community tree-planting event and gives Australians from all walks of life an opportunity to do something positive in their local environment.

Ms Ley said National Tree Day is an important opportunity for local communities to come together, roll up their sleeves and make a positive contribution to the future of the environment.

“Trees give us fresh, cleaner air, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and make our towns and cities more liveable.”

“Healthy trees and native vegetation also offer benefits to farmers, as properties with good native vegetation can improve economic outcomes for farmers by improving land value, increasing production outcomes, and reducing operating costs”, Ms Ley said.

Meantime, the Australian Government is playing its part to plant trees across Australia through the 20 Million Trees Program.

Under the program, the Australian Government is working with the community to re-establish green corridors and urban forests by planting 20 million trees by 2020.

As of March this year more than 18 million trees have been planted across the country, improving the condition of native vegetation, supporting native species and helping to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Fast Facts:

  • National Tree Day was co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John
  • The initiative has seen Australians plant over 25 million trees around the country
  • A large healthy tree can sequester up to 93kg of CO2 and 1.4kg of air pollution a year
  • Planet Ark research has found time spent in green outdoor spaces can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, reduce stress and improve wellbeing and productivity

Extra Vision-Audio is available here: https://treeday.planetark.org/newsroom/audio-video

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