Applications now open for native plant donations

Fraser Coast community groups and individuals can now apply for plant donations from the Council for eligible environmental projects or events.

Cr Jade Wellings said the Fraser Coast Community Nursery donated up to 6000 plants to eligible community groups and individuals each year.

“The Fraser Coast Community Nursery, located at the northern end of the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, propagates over 300 different species of local plants,” she said.

“The nursery was originally managed by six volunteers when it was established in 2006, but it is now supervised by a paid full-time team leader and 45 volunteers.

“Applications for native plant donations are sought twice a year, with the latest round open now until the end of October for plants that will be available for collection in the coming months.

“The type of projects or events supported include community planting events, local species conservation, environmental education initiatives, erosion control, urban lakeside revegetation and wildlife corridor plantings, among other things.

“Eligible applicants include schools, not-for-profit organisations, incorporated environmental groups, registered Land for Wildlife members, registered Community Environment volunteers and community groups that seek to protect the natural environment within the Fraser Coast.

“Council is determined to build better communities by maintaining the unique lifestyle and environment we all love and enjoy here on the Fraser Coast, and initiatives like this help us to achieve that goal.”

Application forms and guidelines for the Fraser Coast Community Nursery Native Plant Donation initiative are available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/fraser-coast-community-nursery

The Fraser Coast Community Nursery recently won the Community Based Initiative of the Year Award in the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Queensland Awards of Excellence 2020.

The nursery was also a finalist in the Community Shaping Award in the Local Government Managers of Australia (LGMA) Queensland Awards for Excellence 2020.