Residents get together to plant street trees

Residents of Brisbane Ave, Umina, have planted 10 mature street trees in a community effort to transform a barren nature strip into an attractive tree-lined avenue.

The 45 residents, children and local community members held a street tree planting day and neighbourhood barbeque on September 18.

The native trees have been planted alongside the footpath on a block of Brisbane Ave, between Perth and Melbourne Avenues, to create shade for the busy pedestrian footpath and improve the look of the street.

The project was funded through a Central Coast Council Placemaking grant.

"Neighbours have all commented that this street has been calling out for trees for years," co-project organiser, Ms Penny Jope said.

Residents Ms Melissa Chandler, Ms Jope and Ms Natalie Watson, saw the potential of Brisbane Ave with its wide verges to become a tree-lined avenue and showcase the benefits of street trees.

"We all know that trees provide shade and a tree-lined street sells houses, but through this project I was surprised to learn studies show street trees lower the ambient air temperature, assist with drainage and reduce traffic speeds," Ms Jope said.

The organisers successfully applied for a Placemaking grant through Central Coast Council's community funding programs, which was open to individuals as well as community organisations.

The grants provided up to $2000 towards a project that transforms a public space into a more vibrant and attractive area, and builds community through participation.

"This project was the brainchild of Ms Mel Chandler, who's been guerrilla gardening for some time, knocking on people's doors and saying 'Hi, do you want a free street tree?'.

"This time she's stepped it up a notch, organising a street tree planting day.

"She also managed to outsource the door knocking part to me, but I'm really thankful, because it's meant I've met all my neighbours.

"Our kids are playing together and we have an avenue of trees to show for it," Ms Jope said.

Neighbours were asked if they wanted to plant, water and take care of a tree on the nature strip outside their house.

Two thirds (10 out of 14) households on the block signed up for a tree and participated in the planting day.

The trees were all native species, with two of the three species being endemic to the area.

"Immediately the street looks so much better.

"Everyone is so appreciative and impressed with the change.

"When the trees grow we'll have much needed shade over the footpath, which is used by a lot of elderly residents and parents with young children," Ms Jope added.

Central Coast Council provides rate-payers on request with free native trees or plants (tube stock) for planting on nature strips.

This project selected larger mature tree stock to make an immediate impact to the street and be less vulnerable to damage from traffic and vandalism.

Media release, 19 Sep 2016

Andrea Bruscher, Umina