Free native plant program
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 residents are able to receive up to four free plants of their choice per year, with higher allocations available to schools, community groups and Land for Wildlife members.
| ANNUAL ALLOCATION | |
|---|---|
| PROPERTY TYPE / GROUP | ALLOCATION |
| Residential Property | 4 plants per property |
| Land for Wildlife Property | 20 plants per property |
| School or Community Group | 50 plants per application |
The program encourages residents 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.
The program aims 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 the program are grown at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre nursery.
The program offers a wide range of plant species to choose from including trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers and climbers. More information can be found on the 'What we grow' page. Download a factsheet that explains the growing conditions required for each plant, and whether they attract birds and butterflies.
You can also check out how council has revitalised the Gordon White Library precinct using local native plants grown at the MNEC.
How do I collect my free plants?
Residents can collect their plants from the Mackay Natural Environment Centre, located at 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay on Free Native Plant Program open days.
The nursery open days in 2023 will be as follows:
> Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22, from 9am to 3pm
> Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, from 9am to noon
Residents are encouraged to click and collect their orders if they can't make it to the nursery open days. Ratepayers can collect four free plants per year.
What we grow
Stock availability changes throughout the year. Have a look at the 'What we grow' page for an idea of what plants are currently available.
Additional plants can also be purchased from MNEC for $2.90 each (swiftpos only).
Click and collect
Place your click and collect order here!
Alternatively, you can email your order direct to nursery@mackay.qld.gov.au
Click and collect orders will be available for pick-up each Thursday morning between 9am and 11am from now until December 8. The nursery will not be open for browsing at this time.
All click and collect orders must be placed by midnight on Tuesdays and can be collected from as early as the Thursday of the same week the order was placed. Collection dates will be available up to four weeks in advance.
Free Native Plant Program - School & Community Group Application Form
Schools and community groups within the Mackay region can receive to up to 50 free plants per year.
Please fill in the application form below 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.