More trees to grow towards 20 million target

THE federal government says 18,500 trees will be planted across the Geelong region over the next two-and-a-half years through the third and final round of the 20 Million Trees program.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson announced the more than $150,000 in funding for two local projects in her electorate last week.

These are:

• $47,839 for Upper Barwon 20 Million Trees project to plant 8,500 across several sites in Corangamite helping to provide a matrix of biodiversity across the landscape, and
• $110,000 for reinstating lost plains woodland to plant 10,000 around Limeburner’s Lagoon, helping to reinstate lost and fragmented grassy woodland.

“Many people throughout Geelong are passionate about the environment and keen to help restore habitat that is threatened or supports threatened species,” Ms Henderson said.

“This Coalition Government investment will help these fantastic organisations to deliver real outcomes, further securing the future of Australia’s unique landscape and its threatened native species.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits these projects will bring to our local community, native species and our environment as a whole.”

In 2016, the Geelong Landcare Network and the Southern Otway Landcare Network received grants to plant about 22,000 and 12,000 trees respectively through the second round of the program.

The federal government says round three of 20 Million Trees will deliver 1,220,851 million native trees across Australia towards the 20 million target.