New program will help attract more wildlife to your garden

The Gardens for Wildlife program allows ratepayers to collect an additional 10 free native plants for their garden per year, on top of the four plants already available through the Free Native Plant Program.

Mayor Greg Williamson said applications were now open for residents who wanted to be involved in the program.

“We have 500 spots available for ratepayers who want to add more native plants to their garden,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Native plants support biodiversity by providing food and habitat for local wildlife,” he said.

“If you have ever wanted to attract more birds, bees or butterflies to your garden, this program will provide you with the perfect opportunity to give your garden a makeover at no cost to you.

“Best of all, native plants require less water than exotic plant species and are better suited to our climate.”

Mayor Williamson said the program would also help improve the Mackay region’s urban vegetation cover, which was relatively low and declining in some areas.

“The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy recognises the important role the community plays in achieving gains in canopy cover across the urban areas of our region,” he said.

“Council is committed to achieving canopy cover gains on public land, but 64 per cent of the urban area is private land, which the community is responsible for.

“Those who sign up to the program will be required to include at least one tree providing canopy cover in their selection.

“This will not only provide local wildlife with much needed habitat, but tree shade has also been shown to reduce household energy consumption by five to 10 per cent in a home during summer, saving you on electricity costs.”

As part of this program, ratepayers must:

• Fill out the application form online at mackay.qld.gov.au/gardensforwildlife to join the program. This program is capped at 500 gardens per year; first in, best dressed.
• Order your plants by emailing nursery@mackay.qld.gov.au.
• Include one tree in your plant selection. This is to provide canopy cover to create shade for cooler neighbourhoods as well as habitat and food for birds, butterflies and native bees.
• Receive a Gardens for Wildlife sign that can be installed on your fence.

The Gardens for Wildlife program supports the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy’s vision of growing cooler, greener and more connected neighbourhoods.