The first of 170,000 eucalyptus trees for Stromlo Forest Park has (sic) been planted. The trees will cover most of the east-facing slope of Mt Stromlo, which was burnt out in the January 2003 bushfires.
Chief Minister on Stanhope said yesterday good winter rains would give the trees every chance of survival. He looked forward to the area being transformed into a world-class resource for ACT residents.
When completed, the Forest Park would have purpose-designed cross-country running loops, an on-road cycling circuit, mountain bike tracks, picnic areas and a large area for spectators of national and international sporting events.
"The park will also be home to the bushfire memorial, a permanent and moving reminder of what was lost, and a monument to the community's recovery," Mr Stanhope said.
The species of eucalypts to be planted had been chosen in consultation with CSIRO bushfire experts, and would e smooth-barked to limit the spread of fire.
Eucalyptus manifera (brittle gum) and Eucalyptus rossii (scribbly gum) had been chosen with some Eucalyptus maculata (spotted gum) to be planted along a gully.