Planting to combat creek bed erosion in Cairns this Tropical Tree Day
By Emma Lucey 15 November 2023
The annual celebration of environmental stewardship known as Tropical Tree Day has firmly taken root in the vibrant community of Cairns. Once again, local dealership Pacific Toyota is teaming up with Cairns Regional Council and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to make an even greater impact in their community, with this year’s event scheduled for Sunday 10th December.
Cairns Regional Council introduced Tropical Tree Day as an event to complement National Tree Day, traditionally held in July, by scheduling it for a more locally viable time of year for young tree development.
The careful selection of planting locations ensures the event’s environmental impact is substantial. The seedlings set for planting this year will provide shade as they mature, reduce the mowing footprint, and combat erosion of the Gordon Creek bed. The planting locations are often areas of unused mowed grass along creeks, and through revegetation, transformed into essential habitat for wildlife while preventing erosion in typically underutilised zones.
This year, Pacific Toyota and their collaborators are set to plant 1200 seedlings, contributing to a total of 8,000 seedlings planted in the Cairns region since 2017. The seedlings are a mixture of native species endemic to Cairns. Native trees promote biodiversity, link habitats, and attract native wildlife by providing shelter and sustenance.
"We are a keen partner [of this event] alongside Cairns Regional Council and Skyrail. We work together to bring the day to life," explained Mark Law, a representative from Pacific Toyota.
Pacific Toyota commitment goes beyond financial support; they actively promote and support Tropical Tree Day by working diligently to increase awareness within their community in the lead-up to the event.
"We have a good internal culture where the sales team knows that every year, this is a day we all get together to help the community," Law shared. The dealership also supplies a free BBQ on the day to keep volunteers fed.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the event also fosters a profound sense of community. "I think our team connecting with the community is the best part. Spending time with people on the ground. It is also such a great family day for people with little ones," Law added.
Find out more about the event here.
Find a site to join another Tropical Tree Day event.
Emma brings experience in digital media and communications with a background in several industries such as tourism and hospitality. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2022, Emma spent 5 years living abroad in London & Amsterdam where she developed a greater interest in the environment and sustainability. Outside of work Emma enjoys gardening, camping and crocheting.
