Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm encouraging community organisation, schools and environment groups across the Central Coast to mark the Queen's Jubilee by planting trees in our region. The Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee program recognises the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service to the Commonwealth and to Australia. During this time, the Queen has visited Australia on 16 occasions. On many of these visits, Her Majesty chose to plant a tree at community events and ceremonies, leaving a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion. This initiative continues this tradition while also helping to improve our local environment.

There are a number of active bush care and environment groups across the Central Coast, and I am certainly hopeful that these groups will consider applying, groups such as Grow Urban Shade Trees in Umina Beach, the Pearl Beach Arboretum, Allagai Bushcare at MacMasters Beach, Avoca Beach bush care and the East Gosford Community Garden.

The program will be community led, giving local groups the option of planting large shade trees at a school, commencing a greening project or enhancing a local park. Grants from $2,500 to $20,000 will be available, with funding for up to 10 projects in each electorate. Eligible organisations should contact my office or other local members' offices to obtain an expression-of-interest form. I look forward to the rollout of this initiative.