The global program began in 2016, with the aim to plant one indigenous plant for every child in the municipality under 16.
It has since seen a total of 96,000 trees planted across Greater Shepparton.
This year, the council aims to plant 25,500 plants in suitably available roadside reserve areas — prioritising indigenous shrubs and groundcovers that have been largely cleared from the region.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe urged residents who thought native vegetation plantings would be possible along their roadsides to get in touch.
“The aim of planting along our roadsides is to connect biodiversity corridors providing key habitats for our local fauna and to bring back our native vegetation — please let us know your suggestions,” she said.
“The sites will be assessed by council, with consideration given to the Road Management Plan requirements, road safety, maintenance access to the site, protection or enhancement of existing vegetation and proximity to service assets.
“Once approved, plantings would occur from April through to September this year.”
To be eligible, the edge of the planting area must be at least nine metres from the centre of the road and three from a landholder's fence or boundary.
It must have a minimum of 20 metres clearway from driveways and gates, and 80 metres from road intersections.
Participants must also ensure the planning doesn't disturb high-value existing vegetation, and avoids other infrastructure — including underground cables.
Council will continue to maintain the native vegetation, including watering, weeding and mowing for one year after initial planting.
● For enquiries or expression of interest, contact council on (03) 5832 9700 or email OneTreePerChild@shepparton.vic.gov.au
