Students from Launceston's Northern suburbs will roll up their sleeves as part of a community planting day at Torrens Street Park in Mayfield today.
As part of the City of Launceston's Urban Greening Strategy 2023-2040, the Council last year identified Mayfield as a suitable suburb for a dedicated precinct plan to guide future urban greening.
Mayor Matthew Garwood said the precinct plan aimed to enhance biodiversity, increase canopy cover, and create a more liveable urban environment in Mayfield.
"Following community consultation, we focused on transforming Mayfield's Torrens Street Park and boosting its canopy cover to over 50 per cent in the non-sporting areas," Mayor Garwood said.,
Works began in July and are set to wrap up this month.
"The upgrade has included the installation of new garden beds, native plantings, footpath extensions, concrete edging, feature rockwork, and irrigation systems," Mayor Garwood said.
"Nearly 60 mature native trees and a massive 2000 understory plants, like shrubs, groundcovers, and grasses, have already been planted to improve habitat, biodiversity, amenity, and park usability.
"Tree species have been carefully selected to provide food sources for wildlife like the endangered Swift Parrot, voted by students at East Tamar Primary School as the top animal they want to see thriving in this park."
The Council is hosting a community planting day today in collaboration with East Tamar Primary School and the Mulaytina Child and Family Centre, offering a chance for locals of all ages to contribute to the future of Torrens Street Park.
Participants will help plant additional native species, learn about urban biodiversity, and celebrate the park's transformation.
"This project is an awesome example of the City of Launceston's commitment to the Urban Greening Strategy's goal of achieving 40 per cent canopy cover across Launceston's urban area by 2040," Mayor Garwood said.
"By focusing on native plantings that support our native wildlife, we're not only enhancing our city's natural values but also fostering community pride and connection to our environment."
