With no end to the drought in sight, Indigo Shire Council in northeast Victoria is calling on its residents to adopt any trees on nature strips adjacent or adjoining their property, and to water and mulch them whenever they tend to their own gardens.
Indigo Shire Mayor, Councillor Peter Graham, said hundreds of street trees have been planted on public land and roadsides in towns throughout the Shire over the past ten years. He said the high quality trees were planted when good rains were expected, but the lack of recent falls means they are in danger of dying.
“These trees improve the ambience and image of the local streetscapes,” Mayor Graham said. “They create a sense of place and provide a distinctive character to an area, but unfortunately, many of these trees will be at risk as we enter this second year of drought.
“While Council’s Outdoors Teams monitor our many street plantings, given the drier than average winter and looming prospect of severe water restrictions over another long, hot and dry summer, we are seeking the public’s assistance in caring for any trees in front of their property.
“Keeping our street trees alive over what is expected to be another harsh summer is a simple way we can keep streetscapes looking smart. Council will try its hardest to keep all our street trees alive and we will continue with our tree maintenance schedule. But that little extra bit of help from residents may be what it takes to make all the difference over the coming summer months.”
Council is promoting this initiative through all local newspapers, radio stations and television networks, as well as its website.
For further information contact Diane Thomas at Indigo Shire telephone (03) 5728 8052.
