Free native plant programs
Council has a number of programs that encourage residents, community groups and schools to incorporate native plant species into their gardens. Native plants generally require less water than exotic species, are low maintenance and provide a reliable food source and valuable habitat for native wildlife.
These programs aim to increase the number of local native plants grown across our region, while building awareness about the benefits of local native plants and giving residents a greater appreciation of local species. All native plants available through these programs are grown at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre nursery.
The programs available include:
| ANNUAL ALLOCATION |
| PROGRAM NAME |
AVAILABLE TO |
ALLOCATION |
| Free Native Plant Program |
Residential properties |
Four plants per property |
| Gardens for Wildlife |
Residential properties |
10 plants per property |
| Land for Wildlife |
Urban or rural properties |
20 plants per property |
| School or Community Group Program |
School or community groups |
50 plants per application |
Applying for plants
Gardens for Wildlife
The Gardens for Wildlife program is for ratepayers who would like to encourage more wildlife into their gardens. As part of this program, ratepayers can collect an extra 10 local native plants for their garden, in addition to the four available through the Free Native Plant Program.
Native plants support biodiversity by providing habitat, food sources and connectivity for wildlife.
This program is capped at 500 gardens per year; first in, best dressed.
As part of this program, ratepayers must:
- Apply online by filling out this form.
- Order plants by emailing nursery@mackay.qld.gov.au.
- Include one tree providing canopy cover in their selection. This is to provide a place for birds to perch, food for butterflies and to create shade for cooler neighbourhoods.
- Receive a Gardens for Wildlife sign that can be installed on their fence.
The Gardens for Wildlife program supports the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy’s vision of growing cooler, greener and more connected neighbourhoods.
Land for Wildlife
Land for Wildlife is a voluntary program which aims to encourage and assist private landholders to provide habitat for wildlife on their property. Properties in the program can be devoted to habitat protection or may be managed for other purposes, such as farming and agriculture, whilst incorporating nature conservation.
Find out more
School and Community Group program
Schools and community groups within the Mackay region can receive to up to 50 free plants per year.
Please fill in the application form and council’s nursery staff will be in contact to discuss your project as soon as possible.
This application form will help us understand more about your project and what types of plants will best suit your specific requirements.
Free native plant program for residents
Mackay Regional Council’s Free Native Plant Program gives ratepayers the opportunity to add a native touch to their gardens. The program demonstrates council’s commitment to build an engaged and informed community and provide leadership in the area of environmental sustainability.
Mackay ratepayers are able to receive up to four free plants of their choice per year.
If you're not a ratepayer or want to buy additional plants, they can be purchased for $3 each (eftpos only). Find out more.
How to order andcollect your free plants
Click and collect
Free and purchased plants are available year-round via pre-order. Place your order using click-and-collect (your rates assessment number will be requried) or by emailing the nursery team on nursery@mackay.qld.gov.au.
If you are claiming your free native plants, you will require a copy of your rates notice and/or your rate assessment number.
- Order deadline: Midnight Tuesday
- Collection time: Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30am (same week)
- Location: 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay (Pick-up only, no browsing available)
Can’t make Wednesday morning? Email the nursery team to arrange an alternative time.
Collection dates can be booked up to four weeks in advance.
Click and collect online orders
Nursery Open Days
During various times of the year the MNEC holds Open Days for the community.
Dates will be listed on our website and social media as they become available.
What do I need to bring along to collect the free plants
The free plant program is available to Mackay ratepayers. Bringing along a copy of your current rates notices will make the checkout process quicker and easier.
Also bring a box or bag and any plastic pots from previous free plant giveaways.
What if I don’t have a copy of my latest rates notice?
You can obtain a copy of your latest rates notice via eNotices on council’s website.
If you don’t have a copy of your latest rates notice, you can provide your address details to the nursery team on checkout and they can look you up in the system.
I receive my rates notices via eNotices. What do I bring along?
You can still bring along a digital copy of your rates notice on your mobile phone or device which will enable the nursery team to check you out in our system.
I’m a new homeowner and haven’t received my first rates notice yet?
Simply advise the nursery team of your address details with proof of ID and they can you look you up in the ratepayer’s system.
What if I have multiple rateable properties?
You can collect up to four free native plants per calendar year for each assessment number (located in the top right-hand corner of your rates notice).
Can I collect for a friend who can’t attend?
Yes. Simply bring along their latest rates notice for checkout.
I’m living in a rental. Can I still collect plants?
Contact the property owner or rental agency to see if you can obtain a copy of the latest rates notice for your rental property. If you wish to plant the native plants on the property, you may also need to get their permission.
If this is not possible, plants can still be bought from the nursery at an affordable price (see details above).
What plants are available?
Stock availability changes throughout the year. Have a look at the “What We Grow” section above for details.
What if I can’t attend the open days but would still like my free plants?
You can pre-order your plants online and pick-up them up on a designated from the nursery. See “Click and Collect” section above for more details.