People who own a property in a farming, rural living or rural conservation zone can purchase the subsidised plants for $1 per plant, which comes with a cardboard guard and stakes for protection.
Interested people are expected to plan out their projects a year in advance and can choose plants specific to their bioregion or specific species in multiples of 10 plants. These can be from large trees to small shrubs.
Once the scheme’s EOI form, species selection, and payment is complete, applicants can present their receipt at the nominated nursery between July and December 1 for collection the following autumn-spring.
Currently, Australian Native Farm Forestry Discount Plants Pty on Cobrawonga Rd, Cobram East, is the only nursery participating in the scheme.
Once the plants are planted between May and August after they’ve been received, ratepayers must appropriately care for their plants to improve first-year survivorship rates. This includes protection from damage as well as being appropriately watered.
Plants cannot be removed without council approval and future property owners must be told they were sourced from the Rural Tree Scheme and need to be retained.
Information on site preparation and weed control, as well as appropriate plant selection, is available via Moira Shire Council.
For further information, including plant care requirements, plant number caps and ratepayer responsibilities, contact Moira Shire Council.
25°C