Western Downs Regional Council is partnering with residents ‘spruce up their streets’ as part of the new and improved Adopt a Street Tree program, which has seen over 8,000 trees adopted by residents since 2017.
The popular beautification initiative is now open for applications, providing Western Downs property owners with the opportunity to receive planted trees along the nature strip at the front of their homes and businesses.
To ensure the program continues to service the needs of the community, Council recently conducted a comprehensive review of Adopt a Street Tree and has made a range of improvements to ensure a more streamlined application, planting and watering process.
Council Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said she was looking forward to the return of the new and improved program.
“Adopt a Street Tree is a community favourite in the Western Downs and has played a major role in enhancing and beautifying our active, vibrant neighbourhoods right across the region,” Cr Tillman said.
“It’s important to us that the program continues to move from strength to strength, so Council recently conducted an extensive review, which combined learnings from the past six years with community feedback and market research to identify potential improvements.
“We received some excellent feedback through our community consultation as part of our recent Parks and Recreation strategies which suggested that, while residents find the much-loved program very valuable, improvements were needed to help ensure the longevity and long-term growth of the trees.
“The review revealed a number of important findings which Council has used to update and amend the Adopt a Street Tree program.
“We’ve taken into consideration our local climate and soil conditions and condensed the types of trees available for adoption to ten species, all of which have proven to grow and thrive in our region.
“The decision was also made to plant younger trees rather than more established trees, as research shows they have a healthier root system which can adapt better when replanted.
“As a result of this feedback we’ve also changed the application process, which will include an acknowledgement from adoptees that they will take responsibility for the care of their new leafy friends, supported by Council’s Parks and Recreation staff. This support will include Council staff watering the newly planted trees four times over the first eight weeks to help the plants get the best start they can.
“The program as a whole has been streamlined, with one application period per year, and one planting season in Autumn. Communications with adoptees and applicants will also be improved to ensure they understand their roles, planting timelines, and are provided with the resources needed to establish and care for their new trees.
“The Adopt a Street Tree program directly contributes to the great liveability we enjoy in our region, whilst allowing our community to make an active contribution and have a sense of pride in their neighbourhood. It’s the people that make it in the Western Downs, and by adopting a street tree, our residents are helping work towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Applications for the new and improved program are open until 31 December 2023.
