Native trees are to be planted along 100 kilometres of road across Moreton Bay as part of efforts to reduce urban heating.
The target of council’s $2.6 million ‘Cool City Streets’ program is to provide shade for pedestrians using bus and train stops, shops and other public facilities.
Mayor Peter Flannery says 3500 trees will be planted at 12 sites before June 30, 2027, to encourage more active, and public, transport.
“We are focusing on planting the trees on routes regularly used by the community to provide shade where it’s needed most including to and from transport stops, schools, medical facilities and social and affordable housing,” he says.
“We know how hot it can be for people walking or cycling back and forth between these places … the shade these trees provide will make it more comfortable for people to get from A to B, particularly benefiting older residents, those without a car and individuals who want to increase their exercise levels.”
PLANTING SITES FOR TREES
- Bongaree: Coolgarra Ave.
- Burpengary: Henderson Rd.
- Morayfield: Oakey Flat Rd.
- Mango Hill: Linear Drive
- Rothwell: Morris Road.
- Kippa-Ring: MacDonnell Rd.
- Kallangur: Duffield Rd.
- Strathpine: Mecklem St.
- Brendale: Leitchs Rd.
- Albany Creek: Keong Rd.
- Narangba: Young Rd.
- Caboolture South: Torrens Rd.
Workers are about to start planting after council’s $1.3m funding for the project was matched by the state government under its Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative; click here to learn more about it.
Michael McKee is Deputy Director-General of the state Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
“… these council-led projects aim to promote sustainable development and reduce urban heat,” he says.
“The urban heat island effect makes dense urban areas hotter, which impacts liveability, so initiatives like planting street trees and building cycleways will be essential as SEQ’s population grows.
“Projects like this make our communities better places to live, including encouraging active transport options, reducing urban heat, supporting healthy lifestyles, and boosting green spaces and biodiversity.”
OTHER COUNCIL NEWS: A brief round-up around the bay.
