Rockhampton Regional Council is investing in the future of its local parks and open spaces, with 300 new trees to provide more shade and enhance aesthetics for recreational spaces.
The trees have been planted across the region as part of Council's annual Tree Planting Program, providing shadier, cooler spaces for the community.
Parks, Sport, and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the program was vital to the region.
"Each year our Parks teams plant hundreds of semi-mature trees where canopy cover is needed," Cr Rutherford said.
"This year, we have 12 different sites across the region, including parks and nature strips, that will see these new trees planted to benefit the community for years to come. Our parks team also assessed many areas where new street trees were requested and are planting 30 trees at 23 approved sites.
"These trees will not only improve the aesthetics of our region, but they will also provide shadier parks, helping to create a cooler climate."
Planting has taken place at Cedric Archer Park, Dorothy Ball Park, Little Cum-Ingram Park, the Rodboro Street pathway, Stenlake Park and Old Capricorn Highway.
Cr Rutherford said Council sources the trees for the tree planting program from stock grown in its own nurseries where possible.
"This program really goes full circle, with a large majority of the trees grown in Council's nurseries from little saplings, to what we're seeing going in the ground," Cr Rutherford said.
"We generally select species that are already growing at the sites and are performing well under local conditions. For larger trees, we ensure they will have adequate room to grow, providing a dense canopy cover and vibrant floral display.
"Soil conditions are also a major factor in our selection, as some trees require different soil types to perform well."
