BACK TO NATURE - Plant trees and grow a legacy

Our neighbours in the Noosa hinterland invite everyone to bring their family and friends along to help plant 6000 trees, shrubs and ground covers at the Doonan Planting Festival, on Sunday, July 5. 

You can also enjoy a wildlife display, live music, face painting, craft activities for all ages and information stalls.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez invited the community to branch out and join Council for National Tree Day.

“No experience is required and it’s easy as the holes are already dug ready for the plants to go in,” Cr Suarez said.

“All tools, plants, gloves and guidance are provided – however, please bring your own water and wear enclosed shoes and sunsafe clothing. Come together, plant a tree and grow a legacy.

“We have people returning year after year and together we are restoring the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve.”

This will be the 10th year the community has been involved in planting at this site.

“In the past nine years, approximately 23,500 native trees, shrubs and ground covers have been planted and this year’s planting will take us close to 30,000!” Cr Suarez said. 

“Each stem planted at this fun-filled National Tree Day event provides essential homes and food for local wildlife like eastern grey kangaroo, wallum froglet, brown quail, Australian pipit, grey-headed flying-foxes and beneficial insects,” Cr Suarez said.

“The reserve is a special place and an important coastal habitat area with vegetation that ranges from iconic coastal heath, scribbly gum forest to melaleuca wetlands.

“It’s home to more than 125 different bird and 24 different mammal species and vulnerable wallum frogs. So come along to explore, laugh and plant together for National Tree Day.”

There will be two sessions, 8-10am and 10-noon to ensure many people can join in.

Parking is limited onsite and you must book a spot when you register. Alternatively, book a park-and-ride bus location when registering.

There’s no need to worry about getting a park with a free park-and-ride bus running from Landsborough, Palmview, Sippy Downs, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Kawana. There will also be a  shuttle bus from Peregian Springs State School.

To redeem your free small espresso coffee (for adults), bring along your own reusable coffee cup. Please remember to bring a water bottle.

Bookings are essential at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, search ‘doonan planting festival’.