Gympie Regional Council’s Free Trees for Ratepayers Program Returns

Published on 18 August 2025

Gympie Regional Council’s Free Trees for Ratepayers program is back for another year, offering residents the opportunity to support local biodiversity and enhance the region’s natural environment.

Under the program, each landowner within the Gympie region is eligible to collect two free native plant tubestock per rates notice, with a maximum of four plants available per year.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said native planting offers a range of benefits for both gardens and the environment. “Native plants not only improve the overall look of your garden, but they also attract local wildlife and support biodiversity across our region,” Cr Hartwig said. “They’re also well suited to our soils and climate, and the new Program and Planting Guide, developed in partnership with Council and our local participating nurseries, includes practical tips to help residents choose the right species for their property.”

“Council will also be sharing helpful planting tips on social media over the coming months to help residents get the most from their new plants.”

Landowners who don’t plan to collect their free trees can give back to the community by donating them to a pre-approved local school, sporting club, or for use in an approved planting project under the program’s Tree Banking sub-program.

Ratepayers can claim their two native tubestock plants by presenting their rates notice at one of the following participating nurseries:

• Gympie and District Landcare Group – 350 Old Maryborough Road, Araluen

• Cooloola City Farm Nursery – 17 Amity Place, Tin Can Bay

For more information, including how to donate your plants or to download the new Program and Planting Guide, visit: www.gympie.qld.gov.au/free-trees-ratepayers