Free Plant Day to Green Up Mount Isa Backyards
Mount Isa residents who would like to green up their yards are being encouraged to sign up to receive up to two free native plants as part of Council’s Free Plant Day initiative.
Residents can put their name down to register their interest by filling out the Free Plant Day survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/W2BLQ7M, which will be open until Friday, April 2, 2021.
Hard copies of the survey are also available from the front counter of Council’s Administration Building at 23 West Street.
People will be able to indicate what type of native plant they would prefer, with a variety of trees, shrubs and groundcovers on offer. These may include gum trees, grevilleas, wattles, bush mint and melaleucas.
The plants will be able to be collected on Free Plant Day, which is expected to be held in mid-May at the Animal Management Facility at 21 Richardson Road.
One lot of plants will be allocated per household. An information pack will be provided with the plants upon collection, including care instructions as well as information about the benefits of choosing Indigenous and waterwise plants.
People living in rental properties are urged to first check with their real estate agent or landlord that they’re able to put plants in the ground, prior to registering their interest.
Mayor Danielle Slade said the initiative is made possible thanks to Council’s environmental charge fund.
“Free Plant Day will enable Mount Isa residents to pick up a suitable tree, plant or shrub that they can then take home and plant in their yard,” Cr Slade said.
“Being native plants, they will be hardy and drought-tolerant, so they will not only help to beautify and green up your yard, but they will also suit the local ecosystem and be able to withstand our climate.
“Having native plants in your yard is great for the local environment and supports and encourages native wildlife too.
“The initiative is a first for Council and is funded by the separate Environmental Charge, which is collected as part of rates.
“It came about after our Environmental Management Plan, which was released last year, identified a number of priority actions for Council to follow up on, including encouraging the use of Indigenous and waterwise plants in the community.”
Cr Slade said if the Free Plant Day is a success, Council will look at continuing the initiative in the future.
For more information, visit www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/yard-garden/free-plant-day/1