In a leafy leap forward for a Sunshine Coast street, 44 new trees have been planted to give a burst of green and shade to the area.
The project at Sippy Downs is part of Sunshine Coast Council’s efforts to nurture and enhance the region’s urban environment.
Councillor Christian Dickson said the addition of the trees provided significant environmental benefits.
“The new street trees on Springhill Drive are a fantastic addition to our community, adding character to the street and providing essential food and shelter for native wildlife,” he said.
“Planting trees in urban areas is vital for reducing heat risks and keeping built-up areas cool.
“Street trees absorb and store carbon, release oxygen and play a key role in reducing stormwater load.”
The region is already one of the greenest local government areas in Queensland, with 57 per cent of land featuring trees, and a master plan to increase that coverage.
The species planted at Springhill Drive include 28 Elaeocarpus obovatus (hard quandong), 12 Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilly-pilly), three Syncarpia glomifera (turpentine) and one Brachychiton acerifolious (flame tree).
The hard quandongs form an attractive avenue along the western side of the street, providing shade and supporting local wildlife. The weeping lilly-pillies enhance the continuity of the canopy. The turpentines and flame trees serve as nodal feature plantings, adding unique character and visual interest to the area.
The council is looking for tree custodians to partner with it to care for young street trees. If you would like to see more trees planted in your street or nearby and can help care for them email adoptastreettree@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
