Leaf your mark on a greener Sunshine Coast
A free tree, a cooler street and a say in shaping a leafy future for your neighbourhood are all on offer through a community project to green the Sunshine Coast.
Trees play a vital role in cooling our suburbs, reducing urban heat and protecting the lifestyle we value on the Sunshine Coast.
It’s important the right trees are planted in the right locations which is why Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the community to share their local knowledge and insights ahead of the refreshed Street Tree Master Plan.
How to have your say
You can have your say by dropping into a pop-up event near you to chat with the project team, complete a short survey and take home a free tree to plant in their backyard.
If you can’t make it to a pop-up, visit Have your Say Sunshine Coast and use the interactive map to share your feedback by November 7.
By using the interactive map and sharing your ideas, you’ll help ensure Council continues to plant trees where they are most needed, ensuring tree planting reflects the unique character and priorities of your local area.
Cooler, greener neighbourhoods
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the plan was about more than just planting trees.
“This is about creating cooler, greener neighbourhoods that reflect the character and values of our region,” Cr Suarez said.
“We’re prioritising areas with the least canopy cover and asking locals to help shape what gets planted and where. It’s your street, your park, your voice matters.
“We’ve already planted thousands of trees since the first plan launched in 2018 and the updated plan will give us chance to build on that success and grow a legacy for future generations.”
The updated plan will broaden its scope to include trees in parks, and there will be a stronger focus on addressing human vulnerability to heat and using trees to cool our local neighbourhoods.
It supports Council’s broader goals around biodiversity, climate resilience and community wellbeing.
Collect a free tree
Visit one of our pop-up events to explore the plan, learn about tree species suited to your area and chat with fellow tree lovers and project team. It’s a great chance to ask questions, share ideas and help shape a greener future for your neighbourhood.
Free trees will be available to the first 50 people at each pop-up event. Additionally, complete the survey and go into the draw to win a $100 nursery voucher.
Pop-ups:
Kolora Park Palmwoods, Saturday, October 11, 10am-12pm
Buderim Village Park, Wednesday, October 15, 10am-12pm
Tickle Park Coolum, Thursday, October 23, 3-5pm
Jessica Park Minyama, Saturday, November 1, 1-3pm
Get involved
The refreshed Street Tree Master Plan will guide Council’s approach to park and street tree planting over the next five years.
From pop-up events to online feedback tools, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make your voice heard.
To provide feedback and learn more about the importance of trees, visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for more information.
