(L-R) – Simon Taylor (Executive Manager, Unitywater), Steven Lang (President, Maleny and District Green Hills), Eric Anderson (President, Barung Landcare) and Caitlin Franklin (Year 5 student, Maleny River School) Photo Supplied
Unitywater’s forest and wetlands site sprang to life today as the Maleny community joined Unitywater staff to celebrate World Environment Day with the planting of 1,500 native seedlings near Obi Obi Creek.
The partnership event between Unitywater, Maleny and District Green Hills and Barung Landcare brought together staff, local students, community members and Council to plant the start of the forest component of the 29 hectare site.
Unitywater CEO, George Theo said: “Today we are not only planting seedlings, we are laying the foundations of sustainable and environmentally friendly sewage treatment services in Maleny.
“Each tree will act as a natural filter, supporting improved waterway health. This native forest will also create natural habitats for flora and fauna, further benefiting the environment and community.”
Unitywater’s forest and wetlands site forms part of the Maleny Community Precinct and has been heavily supported by Maleny and District Green Hills.
The Green Hills President, Steven Lang said: “We think it’s marvellous when a large utility like Unitywater chooses to undertake environment and community-friendly projects like this one. We’re here today specifically because the work they’re doing fits so perfectly with our own creek bank restoration project. As partners we’re going to create something significant, which will last for generations.”
Year 5 students from Maleny River School were also getting involved, putting into practice some of their new skills learnt through Sunshine Coast’s Kids in Action program, an initiative sponsored by Unitywater through Sunshine Coast Council.
“This month we’ve been learning all about how these wetlands help clean-up sewage through Kids in Action,” said Lucy Bourke. “Today we got to plant trees and help the process. I can’t wait to see how they grow.”
The planting event forms part of Unitywater’s ongoing Creekside Greening program, which enables staff to work hand-in-hand with community members to ‘green’ community spaces and encourage biodiversity within our environment.
Maleny follows successful Creekside Greening events in Nambour, Yandina and South Caboolture, in which a total of 4,500 trees have been planted.