Native seedlings are now available for rural landowners in Campaspe Shire to order for 2026 at a subsidised cost.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Daniel Mackrell said Council's Rural Tree Scheme encouraged biodiversity and the preservation and enhancement of the shire's natural environment.
"Creating a resilient, protected and healthy natural environment is one of the priorities in our Council Plan," he said.
"The Rural Tree Scheme is opened annually to help improve our landscape, create habitat for wildlife and to introduce windbreaks which are important for soil preservation and the protection of homes, properties and animals."
Cr Mackrell urges rural ratepayers to talk to the nurseries that will be providing the seedlings before making their order, to ensure they get the plant species that are most suited to their properties.
"This is an excellent program that attracts high demand, so I encourage landowners to get their orders in without delay. The scheme is open until 1 December, but it may close earlier if it becomes fully subscribed," he said.
"Once the orders have been received, our local nurseries propagate the plants, which become available to those who placed orders in autumn 2026."
Cr Mackrell said the scheme encouraged the growth of native flora throughout the municipality.
"The scheme contains around 40 native plant species that are well suited to the Campaspe climate and soil types. The plants available range from ground covers that grow to less than a metre, to trees that will grow more than 30 metres high.
"Properties less than five hectares can have a maximum of 50 seedlings per rate notice, while properties greater than five hectares can have a maximum of 160 seedlings per rate notice," he said.
To be eligible for the Rural Tree Scheme you must own property in the farm, rural living or rural conservation zones, and the scheme is capped at a maximum of three rate notices per owner. If you're uncertain about which zone you reside in, you can contact Council on 1300 666 535.
You can complete an online order form or download an order form from Council's website, pick one up at one of Council's Customer Service Centres or have one posted to you.
