Local Kids Planting for a Greener Future

Dozens of Northern Beaches’ school students will get their hands dirty today as part of Australia’s largest community tree-planting event.

Member for Manly, James Griffin said a number of local schools were participating in Schools Tree Day to help improve their school grounds and the community’s green canopy.

“Schools Tree Day is a fantastic opportunity for local schoolkids and the community to get together and create better, greener schoolyards and open spaces,” Mr Griffin said.

“Trees are vital for providing shade, supporting more active and healthier lifestyles and even improving air quality.

“It’s fantastic to see so many kids inspired by Schools Tree Day and actively involved in making our community greener.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said Schools Tree Day kicked off a wider effort this weekend with National Tree Day on Sunday.

“The saplings we plant today and over the weekend will be the canopy cover of our future, providing us with vital shade, oxygen and habitats for our animals,” Mr Griffin said.

“The NSW Government set a target to plant one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 and five million by 2030, but we can’t do it on our own.

“Whether at school, home or at your work space, I encourage everyone to get out today or over the weekend and plant a tree or two and register it on the website.”

The NSW Government recently provided more than $5 million in grants to 20 councils across Greater Sydney to help them green their communities by planting new trees and maintaining existing ones, with councils matching the funding dollar for dollar.

For more information or to register your tree visit https://5milliontrees.nsw.gov.au/

For more information on Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day visit: https://treeday.planetark.org/about/