November 8, 2023
A bunch of Blackbutt volunteers banded together early on Saturday morning to plant an avenue of trees along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail’s entrance into Blackbutt.
Acting South Burnett Mayor Gavin Jones said about 50 people from local community groups started work at 7:00am and had all the trees planted by 9:30am.
“It’s amazing and will look absolutely wonderful when the trees are fully grown,” he said.
The Kauri pines have been planted on both sides of the trail, from the edge of the scrub near Blackbutt Showgrounds to the Roy Emerson Museum.
“I witnessed first hand community spirit at its best in Blackbutt,” Cr Jones said.
The volunteers came from number of groups including the Blackbutt District Community Organisation, Blackbutt Singers, Blackbutt Golf Club, Blackbutt Tourism & Heritage Association, Blackbutt Gardening Friends, Blackbutt Masonic Lodge, Timbertown Woodworkers, Blackbutt Friends of the Forest and the Blackbutt-Benarkin Lions Club.
The project was funded by the South Burnett Regional Council out of its operational budget.
“I was pleased to play my role by securing funding to enable this project to take place. Thank you to my fellow councillors for their support of this community project,” Cr Jones said.
“These groups will now take ownership of several trees each and look after them until they are established.
“Honestly I can’t wait to see these trees in two or three years. The avenue will be such a great welcome to the town of Blackbutt.
“To all the people involved, congratulations to you all, you should all be so proud of your efforts – your vision for your town is what makes the South Burnett so strong as a region.”
Cr Jones said he also wanted to make particular mention of Nev Lawrence, who brought the project together.
“Congratulations, mate, well done!”
Just rode the BVRT; congrats to all involved, it’s a credit to you (and pie shop in Blackbutt is on another level)