Cool $2.6m program to keep the heat off Moreton Bay streets

Published 09 January 2026

A cool program designed to keep the heat off the streets will see some 3500 native trees planted alongside 100 kilometres of road.
  • Some 3500 native trees will be planted to provide shade along more than 100km of roads in City of Moreton Bay and around community facilities
  • The trees will be strategically planted on active transport routes, primarily benefiting vulnerable residents who walk to facilities or public transport
  • Destinations along the key routes where the trees will be planted include public transport nodes, employment centres, schools, medical facilities, and social and affordable housing

A cool program designed to keep the heat off the streets is about to sprout in key urban centres across City of Moreton Bay.

Some 3500 native trees will be planted alongside 100 kilometres of road to provide shade on popular walking routes and near community facilities.

The $2.6 million ‘Cool City Streets’ program will primarily benefit vulnerable residents, with the trees providing shade to protect them from the effects of urban heat when walking to and from public transport stops, shops and other public amenities.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the trees would be strategically planted in 12 key areas to combat urban heat impacts to encourage active and public transport.

“We are focusing on planting the trees on routes regularly used by the community to provide shade where it’s needed most including to and from public transport stops, schools, medical facilities and social and affordable housing,” he said.

“We know how hot it can be for people walking or cycling back and forth between these places, particularly when the sun is beaming down in the warmer months.

“The shade that these trees provide will make it more comfortable for people to get from A to B, particularly benefiting older residents, those without a car and individuals who want to increase their exercise levels.”

Council crews will soon start planting the trees after the $1.3 million it stumped up was matched with a co-contribution from the Queensland Government through its Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative, a commitment being delivered under the SEQ City Deal between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Michael McKee, Deputy Director-General of the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, said these projects will benefit South East Queensland’s growing communities.

“Funded jointly by the Queensland Government under the SEQ City Deal, these council-led projects aim to promote sustainable development and reduce urban heat,” Mr McKee said.

“The urban heat island effect makes dense urban areas hotter, which impacts liveability, so initiatives like planting street trees and building cycleways will be essential as SEQ’s population grows.

“Projects like this make our communities better places to live, including encouraging active transport options, reducing urban heat, supporting healthy lifestyles, and boosting green spaces and biodiversity.”

City of Moreton Bay’s ‘Cool City Streets’ program will see a total of around 3500 trees planted before June 30, 2027 across the following locations:

  • Bongaree: Coolgarra Ave and surrounds
  • Burpengary: Henderson Rd and surrounds
  • Morayfield: Oakey Flat Rd and surrounds
  • Mango Hill: Linear Drive and surrounds
  • Rothwell: Morris Road and surrounds
  • Kippa-Ring: MacDonnell Rd and surrounds
  • Kallangur: Duffield Rd and surrounds
  • Strathpine: Mecklem St and surrounds
  • Brendale: Leitchs Rd and surrounds
  • Albany Creek: Keong Rd and surrounds
  • Narangba: Young Rd and surrounds
  • Caboolture South: Torrens Rd and surrounds 
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