Native trees set to help beat the heat

A total of 3500 native trees will be planted to provide shade along more than 100km of roads in City of Moreton Bay and around community facilities. 

The $2.6 million ‘Cool City Streets’ program will primarily benefit vulnerable residents, with the trees providing shade to protect them from the effects of urban heat when walking to and from public transport stops, shops and other public amenities. 

Destinations along the key routes where the trees will be planted include public transport nodes, employment centres, schools, medical facilities and social and affordable housing. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said the trees would be strategically planted in 12 key areas to combat urban heat impacts to encourage active and public transport. 

“We are focusing on planting the trees on routes regularly used by the community to provide shade where it’s needed most including to and from public transport stops, schools, medical facilities and social and affordable housing,” he said. “We know how hot it can be for people walking or cycling back and forth between these places, particularly when the sun is beaming down in the warmer months. “The shade that these trees provide will make it more comfortable for people to get from A to B, particularly benefiting older residents, those without a car and individuals who want to increase their exercise levels.” 

Council crews will soon start planting the trees after the $1.3 million it stumped up was matched with a co-contribution from the Queensland Government through its Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative, a commitment being delivered under the SEQ City Deal between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ). 

City of Moreton Bay’s ‘Cool City Streets’ program will see these trees planted before June 30, 2027 across the following locations: 

• Bongaree: Coolgarra Ave and surrounds 

• Caboolture South: Torrens Rd and surrounds  

• Morayfield: Oakey Flat Rd and surrounds 

• Burpengary: Henderson Rd and surrounds 

• Narangba: Young Rd and surrounds 

• Mango Hill: Linear Drive and surrounds 

• Rothwell: Morris Road and surrounds 

• Kippa-Ring: MacDonnell Rd and surrounds 

• Kallangur: Duffield Rd and surrounds 

• Strathpine: Mecklem St and surrounds 

• Brendale: Leitchs Rd and surrounds 

• Albany Creek: Keong Rd and surrounds