Community groups urged to plant trees to celebrate Platinum Jubilee

GRANTS have been made available to community groups and organisations wanting to plant trees in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

green tree during sunset — Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

The Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated across the Commonwealth this year to mark the 70^th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in February 1952.

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Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee Program will involve the community in celebrating the milestone.

“The Queen has visited Australia 16 times and on many of these visits has planted trees at community events and ceremonies, leaving a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion for the people in those communities,” Mr Pitt said.

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“To celebrate The Queen’s 70 years’ service to Australia, my office is taking expressions of interest from eligible groups and organisations across the Hinkler electorate to hold community-based tree planting events.

“Grants from $2,500 to $20,000 will be available with up to $100,000 in funding for up to 10 projects.

“The Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program aims to increase community awareness and celebration of the Jubilee, create a legacy of tree plantings that serve to honour the memory of The Queen and her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth, and increase or enhance the area of tree canopy.

“I encourage incorporated not-for-profit organisations, primary and high schools, P&C associations and religious organisations to think about how they can get involved.”

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Projects that are suitable must include formal commemorative events in 2022 to mark the Jubilee, plantings of regionally‑appropriate tree species, and installation of commemorative signage or plaques.

Grant funding will be available for up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs.

Following the EOI process, a community panel will identify potential projects and make recommendations. Only applicants invited to apply by their MP will proceed to the formal application process.

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Expressions of Interest must be received by the Hinkler electorate office by 5pm on Friday, 18 March and can be emailed to keith.pitt.mp@aph.gov.au or dropped into the Bundaberg or Hervey Bay office.