Redlands reach 250,000 mark in native plant initiative

Redlands creating a batter habitat for native animals with one million plant initiative across the region.

Mayor Karen Williams with Council Conservation Support Officer Dominic Newland. Picture: Redland City Council

KOALAS and other native animals are closer to having a better habitat as part of a Redland City Council initiative.

The Council reached the 250,000 mark on Friday in an initiative to plant one million native plants across the Redlands Coast by 2026 with the aim to enhance existing and to create new wildlife corridors for native animals.

The milestone was reached at Smith St, Capalaba and Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the One Million Native Plants initiative was part of Council’s commitment to a greener Redlands Coast.

“Reaching this milestone is something to be celebrated by all of Council, our army of invaluable volunteers and the wider Redlands Coast community,” she said.

“These 250,000 plants will provide shelter for our wildlife, help reduce erosion along local waterways and provide a greener city for residents to enjoy.

“The One Million Native Plants initiative continues our strong commitment over many years, which has resulted in Redlands Coast having 7232 ha of conservation land and 40 per cent of its total land area protected green spaces.

“The 250,000 plants put in the ground so far are equivalent to taking thousands of cars off our roads.”

Divisional Councillor for Ormiston Tracey Huges said she hoped community volunteers would turn out in force today at Hilliards Creek to help the One Million Native Plants tally continue to grow.

“Hilliards Creek is an important wildlife corridor, and is part of Council’s first trial koala neighbourhood precinct — the Ormiston Koala Conservation Safe Neighbourhood,” she said.

“Aside from the important contribution people will be making to their local ecosystem, the day will be a chance to connect with the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast and meet with our environmental officers.

“There will be kids’ activities, a sausage sizzle and a free native plant for participants to take home.”