LOCAL GREENTHUMBS CELEBRATE NATIONAL TREE DAY
2 August 2006
More than 100 people grabbed their gardening gloves, pulled on their work boots and rolled up their sleeves to plant over 2,000 trees and shrubs along Moonee Ponds Creek in Westmeadows last Sunday as part of National Tree Day celebrations.
Melbourne Water General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said this was the fifth year that this important site had been used for a National Tree Day event.
"Over the last five years more than 1000 people have planted more than 20,000 trees at this site, which is managed as part of Melbourne Water's 'Sites of Biodiversity Significance Program'.
"The site supports an array of vegetation including red gums, escarpment vegetation and eight plant species of regional environmental significance as well as more than more than 70 species of birds have been recorded at the site."
Mr Chesterfield said the event was organised annually by Melbourne Water, Hume City Council, the Moonee Ponds Creek Co-ordinating Committee, the Friends of Upper Moonee Creek and the local Westmeadows community.
"Our rivers, creeks and wetlands are highly valued by the local community and the work of volunteer groups and the local community is invaluable in helping to protect and improve them.
"This annual event is delivering real benefits for Moonee Ponds Creek, both in terms of the appearance of the site, as well as the valuable habitat these trees and shrubs provide for local wildlife around the creek."
Hume Mayor, Cr Adem Atmaca said National Tree Day was a great way of getting residents involved in improving their local environment.
"Council conducts over 40 community planting days throughout the year and National Tree Day is a prime example of the Hume community working together to protect and enhance their local environment. I would like to congratulate all those who pitched in and planted trees and shrubs that will improve both the habitat and water quality in this environmentally significant waterway," Cr Atmaca said.