HUNDREDS of trees are being planted on the boundary of the Augustus Estate as a part of a beautification and noise blocking project.
The trees are being planted along the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road fence line.
The Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Natural Environment Team is undertaking the work in response to a petition from residents to help cut out road noise.
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Division 5 Councillor Jade Wellings said around 480 small trees and shrubs will be.
“The species selected are endemic to the region, are low to medium in height so they will not grow tall to block sunlight reaching solar panels or shade pools; they will attract wildlife; are hardy pest and disease resistant and drought tolerant,” Cr Wellings said.
The project is one of a number across the region undertaken by Council staff.
“The natural environment is one of our most precious assets,” Cr Wellings said.
“As part of our commitment to the environment, Council supports activities that protect, repair and maintain our community reserves.”
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Two other projects completed by the Natural Environment Team will improve the quality of stormwater water runoff reaching Hervey Bay.
The first project was building a bio basin on the corner of Colyton and Bideford Streets, Hervey Bay.
The bio basin catches stormwater from the nearby streets and filters out pollutants and nutrients from the water.
“The Council team planted more than 6,000 natives (tube stock) plants into the bio basin which will help filter excess pollutants and nutrients and improve the quality of water flowing into the Pulgul Creek catchment,” Cr Wellings said.
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Just down the road 150 advanced native trees were planted in the Raward Road drainage system.
“The trees will form corridors and links to nearby vegetation,” Cr Wellings said.
“As they mature, the plants will self-seed and contribute more plants to the area which will increase habitat for native animals and help filter nutrients from stormwater in the drainage system.”
The tree plantings are part of Council’s commitment to building better communities by maintaining the unique natural environment and lifestyle of the Fraser Coast.
“Council has a commitment to plant 100,000 trees by 2030,” Cr Wellings said.
“Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, improve air quality, conserve water, preserve soil and support wildlife.
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“Planting 100,000 trees will provide environmental benefits and make our region a more attractive place to reside and visit.”
Since the program was introduced in 2019 Council has planted 43,677 trees.
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What would be the feasibility of creating a Koala sanctuary in the Eco Forest paralleling Augustus BLVD by planting favorable gums now for future habitat?
Hi Roger, thanks so much for the comment. It sounds like a great idea – is this something you have ever brought up with the local councillor? It’s great having all those trees there!
Hi Jade we desperately need trees and a part fence on the main rd halfway between andersons rd and set of lights at karrassites rd on the Hervey Bay and Burrum heads rd the rd noise is terrible
Thanks so much for your comment. Have you ever raised this with Council before? Is the noise constant – or are there times of the day / week its worse?