Plant parents needed to green city

Published on 26 August 2019

Council and Landcare Broken Hill will join forces with the community to prepare 1500 new trees and shrubs for planting as part of Greening the Hill Mk2.

A Backyard Bush Nursery event will be held outside Council's Administrative Building (240 Blende Street) on Saturday August 31st to mark National Tree Day.

Council has funded the purchase of 100 propagation kits which have the capacity to grow approximately 15 plants each. These kits will be given out free to members of the community who wish to volunteer in the new Greening the Hill initiative.

Volunteers will be asked to raise the 15 provided seeds or cuttings in their yard, before returning them to Landcare for planting in regeneration areas, nature strips, community gardens, and other Greening the Hill Mk2 initiatives.

Mayor Darriea Turley AM said the event was a simple way for locals to make a notable contribution to greening our city.

"It's a way for locals to have a real impact on the City's future and make a visible and tangible contribution to improving Broken Hill and the environment for generations to come."

"We know new plants can struggle in the harsh conditions of Broken Hill, and that's why we need volunteers' help to ensure we can all make a difference.

"By raising the seeds or cuttings at home until they're healthy, volunteers will give the plants a head-start and the best chance of survival once they are planted in our regeneration areas and community spaces.”

Simon Molesworth AO, President of Landcare Broken Hill, said the group was looking forward to working closely with the community.

"Landcare Broken Hill warmly welcomes the City partnering with us to ensure the shared vision inherent in Greening the Hill Mk2 is achieved," he said.

"With the Backyard Bush Nursery project being kicked off with the Council’s great support, enthusiastic community members will learn the skills to grow plants that will truly make a difference: improving our environment and fostering community spirit".

Volunteers will be provided with instructions and containers for raising the plants, and Landcare will provide advice and assistance to all volunteers throughout the initiative.

Those wishing to get involved are invited to come along at 10am on August 31 and pick up a Backyard Bush Nursery Propagation Kit.

WHAT: Backyard Bush Nursery

WHEN:  10am, August 31

WHERE: Council Admin Building, 240 Blende St