Scouts help plant hundreds of trees

More than 80 members from the Albany Creek Scouts were among community groups that helped plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs at a new housing development at Warner.

City of Moreton Bay Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9), Moreton Bay Bushcare and the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital also joined developers AVID to regenerate the former quarry site, which will be home to a new residential community, Élan.

Albany Creek Scout Group committee member Christine West says the Tree Planting Day – where more than 600 seedlings were planted – created a sense of community and tangible contribution to environmental conservation.

Opportunity to learn

“The day offered a wealth of valuable experiences for the Scouts to come together as a community and learn more about their responsibility to the environment and precious wildlife in the region,” Christine says.

“Environmental education is an important aspect of the Scout program – understanding the local wildlife helps Scouts connect into their communities and the new Warner site is no different, given its existing strong environmental ties.

“Scouts are tomorrow leaders and by educating them today we will ensure the next generation is consciously aware of the decisions they are making, which is essential for the ongoing survival of our urban koalas.”

As part of the masterplan for Élan, about half the site will be dedicated to green space, including areas revegetated with native flora and fauna.

Contributing to community

AVID General Manager Queensland Anthony Demiris says the event celebrated the benefit of partnering with local groups.

“Élan is home to a diverse natural environment and events, like the Community Tree Planting, are a positive and proactive way we can preserve and protect the Moreton Bay region's natural green spaces,” Anthony says

“One of our core values is contributing in meaningful ways to the broader community – and we are doing this by supporting the community’s existing dedication to the environment and wildlife.

“An example of this is the launch of a Community Stewardship Program, purposefully designed to educate the new residents at Élan about the environment they are moving into and how to care for it.”

Construction has officially started on the 41ha site, providing 387 new homes.