Greenfleet returned to the Bundaberg Region today to lead a collaborative tree-planting program at Barolin Nature Reserve with community, business and government partners.
The tree planting involved partners including Fun Over Fifty, Stroud Homes, Kellys Beach Resort, Pacific Whale Foundation, Bundaberg Regional Council, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Gin Gin Landcare and long-time supporter Telstra.
Bundaberg Regional Council and Reef Guardian schools supported the event which coincides with Queensland Climate Week where leaders and government representatives have been invited to share ideas and build a community of action against climate change.
“Telstra and its employees are proud to roll up our sleeves and support projects such as Low Glow that demonstrate practical climate action and provide co-benefits for our wildlife and environment,” Telstra Fleet Operations lead Steve Ellis said.
The forest at Barolin Nature Reserve was first planted in 2017 and, with approximately 85,000 native biodiverse trees, is now the largest reforestation project in the region.
In addition to contributing to climate change resilience, the new forest will grow into a “green curtain” to help shield the local sea turtle population from artificial light pollution.
The reserve is adjacent to Mon Repos Beach, which is home to one of the largest sea turtle populations on the Australian eastern seaboard.
“Our work at Barolin Nature Reserve is an example of what can be done when not-for-profits, community, business and local government come together to help protect our wildlife and climate,” Greenfleet chief executive Wayne Wescott said.
“We’re particularly delighted to be joined by our key business supporters, including Fun Over Fifty, whose eco tours draw visitors to the region and are a unique way of giving back to the environment.”
Fun Over 50 offers Green Getaway
Eco-tour company Fun Over Fifty brought a dozen people to the Bundaberg Region who rolled up their sleeves and joined the Barolin tree planting today.
The Green Getaway combines a passion for the environment, community and travel, creating a hands-on ecological experience for guests.
Fun Over Fifty won gold in the Ecotourism category at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March.
Chief executive Toni Brennan said it’s all about giving back to the environment and the communities they visit.
“We are a Brisbane-based company but we like to say we are a part of many local Queensland communities as that is where our work is done,” she said.
“We have 120 tour types, 110 of which are eco certified and approximately 80 are advanced eco certified, which is a large number for a small company.
“We are trying to set a benchmark for the industry.”
This was the second year the Green Getaway had been run and Toni said the tour was very popular.
Kellys Beach Resort supports tree planting
Kellys Beach Resort Business Director, Loni Hammond, said guests who book their stay at the Bargara venue directly have the opportunity to make a donation, which the business matches, towards planting a tree in the Barolin Nature Reserve.
“It is such a small amount for our guests to donate but we are really hoping that together we can make a difference to our iconic local wildlife and also to climate resilience,” Mrs Hammond said.
“We are proud of the impact we’re making, and we hope that by partnering with Greenfleet we are taking practical action against climate change by helping to restore Australia’s forests, recreate crucial habitat for native wildlife and transform degraded land back to its natural state.”
