Deakin digs for sustainability

STAFF and students from Deakin University helped plant 3,000 trees at the institution’s Waurn Ponds campus last week as part of its annual “Tree Planting Day”.

About 70 people rolled up their sleeves to chip in, with the university’s landscaping team offering staff and students the opportunity to contribute to Deakin’s sustainability vision.

Deakin’s director of sustainability Emma Connan said more than 7,000 plants covering around four hectares of land at Waurn Ponds had already been planted across the event’s nine-year reign.

The Geelong Community Nursery – a partnership between Barwon Water and genU – provided 1,000 indigenous plants in support of the initiative.

Barwon Water staff were also on site to assist with planting.

Ms Connan said the calendar event is an example of the strong partnership between Deakin and Barwon Water.

“We are thrilled to include Barwon Water in our event this year, particularly after we last year began a strategic partnership together which will help foster research and innovation in water and wastewater services,” Ms Connan said.

“Both organisations value sustainability and are committed to combatting the challenges posed by climate change, population growth and increased resource consumption while enhancing connections to the land and communities.”