More than 120,000 locally native seedlings have been planted across the City of Gosnells over winter, enhancing local amenity and biodiversity for years to come.
About 10,000 of these were local tree species, supporting the City’s pledge to achieve 30 per cent tree canopy coverage on City-controlled land. This will increase shade and help cool the City’s suburbs.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the revegetation season took place from early May until the end of August, with most of the planting occurring in June and early July.
“Our biggest projects this year were Harmony Fields Reserve in Maddington and Southern River Confluence Foreshore Reserve in Thornlie, where the Canning and Southern rivers meet,” Mayor Lynes said.
“Thanks to external funding, extensive planting was carried out at these two sites, which together accounted for around 80,000 of the seedlings planted through City initiatives.”
Mayor Lynes said the biggest challenge for City staff this year had been planting in wetland and river areas which received large amounts of rain.
“The rain has been a good problem to have – while we need to ensure the plants aren’t waterlogged, the additional moisture in the soil this spring will hopefully allow the plants to establish before the summer heat arrives,” she said.
“Looking ahead, the City’s plans to establish a new production nursery will also improve the City’s planting capacity – enabling more plants to be cultivated, including a diverse range of species suited to local conditions.”
Visit the City’s website for information about sustainability in action in the City of Gosnells, including advice on suitable plants and landscaping techniques for your garden.