Residents are encouraged to join in a community planting weekend in an effort to create a more sustainable future for Ararat from 15 -17 July.
The Ararat Landcare Group, in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council (ARCC) and neighbouring Landcare groups in Stawell and Beaufort, received $55,000 funding from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) to investigate the future of urban and street trees across our region as a means of mitigating climate change.
Research has shown that our region will be subject to increased heatwaves in the future, and our community needs to plan for a more sustainable and resilient streetscape that can reduce the urban heat island effect and tolerate frost.
Russell Pearse, President, said the Ararat Landcare Group has been working closely with the community and council to promote wise management of the region’s land and urban spaces for over 20 years.
“Landcare is a way to help our environment, wildlife, farmers and our communities,” Mr Pearse said.
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“Our projects involve on-ground revegetation works along Cemetery Creek as well as workshops, weed control and building nest boxes, and planting days,” he said.
Recently, the Ararat Landcare group distributed a questionnaire to residents and held a seminar on the use of urban trees in mitigating climate change.
“As part of the project, materials such as a booklet and videos are being created to further promote the planting of trees in backyards,” Mr Pearse said.
“We know trees provide a multitude of benefits from having a positive impact on wellbeing, enhancing air quality to improving the urban heat island effect by providing shade,” he said.
“Residents are encouraged to bring a shovel and join in our upcoming community planting day; it’s an opportunity to do something positive for the local community by making it a healthier place to live,” Mr Pearse said.
Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong said initiatives like community planting days can help raise greater awareness on the importance of regenerating our landscapes.
“This project in partnership with the Ararat Landcare Group looks at the role of street trees in our urban environment in mitigating climate change,” Cr Armstrong said.
“I’d like to congratulate Ararat Landcare Group on their success in securing this grant, which underpins the important work Landcare volunteers do right across our community,” she said.
Ararat Landcare Group has worked closely with Ararat Rural City Council to identify three demonstration sites.
Residents are invited to participate in a community planting weekend on:
- Friday, 15 July 9am-12.30pm in Laby Street. Meet at the corner of Laby and High Streets
- Saturday, 16 July 9am-12.30pm in McGibbony and Tuson Streets. Meet at the corner of McGibbony and Tuson Streets
- Sunday, 17 July 9am – 11.30am in Gordon Street. Meet at the corner of Gordon and Moore Streets
Gloves, coffee, and morning tea will be provided. Please register your intention to attend by clicking on https://events.humanitix.com/ararat-urban-trees-planting-days
Participants will need to bring their own shovel.
Registration is required by Wednesday 13 July 2022