Bunbury builder restores balance in dunes

New Bunbury business G.J. Gardner Homes is working to rehabilitate Bunbury’s coastline through a community-based tree planting initiative called Fifteen Trees.

The company has pledged to plant 15 trees along the Marlston Hill dunes, for every new home it builds.

The first 15 trees sourced from the Leschenault Community nursery were planted on Friday, with help from the Marlston Coastcare volunteers and the Year 4 students of St Mary’s Primary School.

Owner of G.J. Gardner Homes Bunbury Austin Ietto said the project would educate the community and help the environment.

“I grew up in a small town and I have always been very involved in the community,” he said.

“It is important to get the community involved and make the kids aware that planting trees can have a positively impact on the environment.

“Building a home is not particularly good for the environment and this is our way of putting back in what a house takes out.”

The Marlston coastline has been severely damaged over the years by blasting coastal winds and general public use.

Coastal facilitator Chris Gibbs said the tree-planting initiative would help rehabilitate the area.

“The trees will help reduce dune blow outs and deter the public from walking through and damaging the area,” he said.

“The planting was all about a hands-on activity for the kids, to reinforce their understanding of coastal erosion and how important it is to rehabilitate these areas.”

Founder of the Fifteen Trees program Coleen Fillipa said it was great to see such a big company getting its hands and knees dirty.

“It shows leadership – it’s beautiful to see a company getting the kids and community environmentally active,” she said.