Mayor launches City's NaturallyGC program - 800 activities in 2018-19

The city’s 580,000 residents and 13.1 million annual visitors will be able to enjoy more nature trails and nature-based experiences in 2018-19, following the launch of NaturallyGC.

“We have 13,600 hectares of open space under our control, along with 790 natural area parks,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“The people own this asset and I am committed to ensuring as many people as possible get to experience everything there is in our city – and that includes the green behind the gold.’’

Mayor Tate today launched the 2018-19 NaturallyGC program, along with teenage wildlife ambassador Jasmine Rasmussen, and renowned enviro-warrior Patrick Brabant.

“These two are the faces of our city’s green future … both amazing young people with a passion for the environment and a love for nature,’’ he said.

The Mayor said in 2018-19, the City would:

•           Construct a new cross country mountain bike nature trail;

•           Produce additional 360 degree nature trail videos to assist those with mobility issues to enjoy a nature-based experience (Eleven videos are complete with an additional four to be developed);

•           Install new environmental interpretive signage at key parks; and

•           Source land specific to koala habitat, and enhance that land to preserve this vital habitat;

“I want our city to be known as the greenest in Australia and Our Natural City Strategy outlines that we are working toward 51 percent of our city’s footprint being retained as native vegetation. We were at 50.39 per cent at last report so we are edging closer.’’

Highlights of the NaturallyGC 2018-19 program include activities to connect people to nature through guided bushwalks, kids natural adventures, indigenous culture, wildlife shows, tree planting, koala conservation, native stingless bees and ‘creatures of the dark’ spotlighting.

Residents can learn how to incorporate local native plant species into their gardens to increase both urban and backyard biodiversity through a specialised Grow Me Instead native gardening forum.

World-renowned nature photographer and author Steve Parish OAM will inspire hundreds of people through “A Life Behind the Lens”.  The presentation will promote life purpose through nature connection, the benefits of spending time in nature and his astonishing nature photography collection.

There is also a specific Little Nature Lovers program of events for preschool kids aged 3-5 years. Activities will be held monthly at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and will connect kids from a young age with our environment where they can enjoy  engaging walks, craft and story with a range of themes from trees to wetlands, bugs, reptiles, butterfly lifecycles and more.