Grass trees given new lease on life

Grass trees growing in the Southern River Business Park have been saved and replanted to become striking additions to streetscapes and parks across the City of Gosnells.

As work to clear the business park site began earlier this year, the City arranged for 164 grass trees to be salvaged – with 23 returned to the City for use in public plantings.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said salvaging the grass trees was not a requirement of developing the land, however the City opted to do so to improve environmental outcomes.

“Grass trees are exceptionally slow growing, sometimes as little as 1 centimetre a year, so it can take more than 20 years for grass trees to grow a trunk and 200 years to reach 2 metres tall,” she said.

“They are frequently cleared for development, but the City was determined to give these grass trees a second chance because they provide important habitat and food sources for native wildlife and improve biodiversity.”

The first group of salvaged grass trees were planted at Amherst Village Community Centre last month and they are now growing strong. More grass trees will be planted throughout winter.