Emerald Airport gardens help trainees grow

Travellers arriving at and departing from the Emerald Airport will be treated to a display of native flora as beautification works at the entrance are complete.

Central Highlands Regional Council horticulture trainees completed the layout of the four garden beds and took care of planting under supervision of Coordinator Parks and Gardens Tony Price.

Mr Price said the project was a hands-on end-to-end experience for the trainees with a result that will be visible for years to come.

‘With the concept design of the gardens completed by CQUniversity horticulture student Anyssa Mason earlier in the year, this project was an excellent opportunity to continue as a case study learning environment for council’s horticulture trainees,’ Mr Price said.

‘From consulting with the nursery to ordering plants, installing the drip-tube irrigation system and thinking about specifications and requirements to conserve water – our trainees had to solve all those problems and complete the practical work.’

Selected for hardiness and drought tolerance, Mr Price described the gardens as a native-based Australian cottage style garden with some colour for an enticing visual aspect. The young plants will develop in time.

The Emerald Airport beautification project is a joint initiative of Central Highlands Regional Council and the Queensland Government.