30 July 2011

Over 3,500 native grasses, trees and shrubs will breathe new life into Ford Park in Strathfield South after a record National Tree Day community effort over the weekend.

A great day was had by all who came along and volunteered to plant trees, many working for hours, passionate about the opportunity to improve the local environment.

Deputy Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Helen McLucas was joined by Member for Watson and Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke to plant a tree and remarked at the success of the day.

“This is a great turnout from the Strathfield community, who are obviously very passionate about the local environment and about Strathfield’s parks and open spaces,” Cr McLucas said.

“We had over 500 people come along, enjoy the free children’s activities and remark at the beautiful parks and open spaces along the Cooks River corridor. I hope everyone who came along is proud of the contribution they are making to the environment and the enhancement these new plants will bring to Ford Park in the years to come.”

With over 400 planters working hard on the day, Council easily met its target of planting 3,500 small shrubs, grasses and plants to add to the existing garden bed areas at Ford Park.

Volunteer planters included Strathfield SES members who also hosted the barbeque, a group of young people from the Hwa Tsang Buddhist Monastery in Homebush, volunteers from the Sathya Sai group and a number of other Bushcare members.

The small shrubs and grasses will be cared for and maintained over the coming months by Council staff and will help increase biodiversity and enhance the parkland.