Residents of the Cessnock local government area who have bought or built a home in the 2017/18 financial year could be eligible for up to eight free plants under the initiative, which council has been running for nearly two decades.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent encourages every resident entitled to apply to submit an application for the initiative, which is designed to benefit the LGA’s natural environment.

“The planting of more trees and shrubs in our community is important, not only for the visual appeal but for the long-lasting positive environmental impacts,” Cr Pynsent said.

A range of trees and shrubs are available, from ground covers like creeping boobalia through to shrubs, including murraya, bottlebrush and grevillea, which can reach three metres in height.

Application forms are available from council’s customer service officers at the administration building in Vincent Street, or via council’s website.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm Friday, March 2.

For more information, call council’s vegetation and civic spaces coordinator, Lyall Green, on 4993 4103.

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