#GreatNewsThursday – Euroa Primary School students invest in our future environment

Scobie Street in Euroa received a facelift thanks to a collaboration between Strathbogie Shire Council, Goulburn Valley Water and Euroa Primary School.

Several students assisted Council staff to plant 11 smooth barked apple trees along the fence line of the primary school oval to create a beautiful shady avenue.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the initiative was a result of funding Council has budgeted over three financial years for a dedicated street tree planting program.

“We allocated a total of almost $235,000, starting in 2022/23, and it has been broken down into expenditures of $100,000 in 2022/23 followed by $65,000 in 2023/24 and $70,000 in 2024/25,” Cr Binks said.

“The funding is being utilised to incorporate a mixture of street trees in all townships as well as additional plantings in parks and playgrounds.”

Cr Binks said it was fantastic to see the enthusiastic students take part in planting the trees, learning how to correctly water them in, stake and mulch.

“It’s so fantastic to see the children learning about the benefits of street trees and how to plant their very own tree,” Cr Binks said.

“We partnered with Goulburn Valley Water to provide buckets to each student, along with tree care tips, so they can continue to help their tree survive and thrive.

“It is hoped the students will pop their bucket in the shower while they’re waiting for the water to heat up and use the collected water to water their tree.

“It’s a fantastic way to save our precious drinking water and ensure the trees are getting the adequate moisture they need to survive.”

Euroa Primary School Principal Kim McCabe said all the students who participated in the planting had expressed an interest in the environment or a desire to assist their community.

“We were pleased to join this activity and we hope the students enjoy watching the trees grow into the future,” she said.

Oliver Ashley and Tom Goss holding the tree.

Geoff Riddock with Euroa Primary School students Lara and Jye-Loki ‘tickling’ the tree-roots, getting them ready to plant.

Teacher Locky Casey and student Ethan Boulton.