Treehenge

Queensland will soon have a sustainability project so large it will join the pyramids of Giza as one of the only manmade objects visible from the International Space Station.

Called ‘Treehenge', the project will see thousands of massive trees lined up to form a unique design in the Condamine River Basin and lead to several other plantations of its type across the country.

Treehenge is an initiative by the not-for-profit Condamine Alliance and it will not only help revive the land and endangered animal populations in one of the nation's major food bowls but also be a unique place of commemoration.

Condamine Alliance Chief Executive Officer Phil McCullough said more than 40,000 trees reaching an average height of 30 metres would be planted within the first year and all Australians would be invited to be a part of this unique project by donating and dedicating a tree.

"Everyone knows Condamine for its coal seam gas fields, farming and wide open spaces, but we believe this project will definitely put it on the map as one area well and truly doing its bit for the environment," Mr McCullough said.

"Treehenge has already received strong support from the community. It offers an opportunity for everyone who is concerned about our environment and our future to make a difference.

"Treehenge is a symbol of land restoration and a place of reverence. It will be a forest uniquely designed to celebrate life and sustainability.

"Anyone will be able to contribute to the Treehenge sustainability project and dedicate a sapling to a loved one where they can monitor its growth and progress online.

"We also encourage organisations to get involved as part of their corporate social responsibility program by sponsoring a tree or sections of the forest."

Mr McCullough said the Condamine Treehenge would be the first of many rehabilitation sites planned for around Australia.

"The massive henge at Gladfield measures 300 metres by 250 metres and consists of close to 6,000 trees," he said.

"In the Neolithic era, henges were sacred circular areas ringed by wood and stone. The circle is a symbol of a cycle and Treehenge represents this circle of life and self-renewal.

"The henge itself is based on Celtic ‘Eternity Knots', a unique icon to symbolise the eternal nature of the project.

"Treehenge aims to lead a shift in attitude to the way Australians care for the land that sustains us. We're tending the garden that feeds us."

Landloch Senior Environmental Consultant Dr Jerry Maroulis said the Treehenge project had the potential to bring life back to degraded sites in the Condamine catchment and by doing so provide valuable habitats for endangered wildlife.

"Treehenge is a truly unique sustainability project which creates the perfect marriage between Australians and their environment," Dr Maroulis said.

"Anyone who dedicates a tree at Treehenge can take comfort knowing their donation will help rehabilitate and replenish an area of land vitally important to Australia.

"The trees planted will repair eighty hectares of eroded land, help improve air and water quality and ultimately encourage the return of native animals such as koalas, wallabies, enchidna, black snakes and blue tongues."

Brisbane based Company Director Ross Bell is among the first of many who have already donated trees to the henge.

"I chose to dedicate a tree for each of my children. It's a way of recognising the present environmental issues we have and a chance to support a local community," Mr Bell said.

"My kids have a strong awareness for the environment and I hope they will follow through and watch the growth of this personalised gift.

"The Condamine region was hit hard by the devastating floods earlier in the year and Treehenge provides the perfect opportunity for people to make a worthy contribution to that community."

Mr McCullough said Treehenge is now seeking other individuals and corporate supporters to come on board and dedicate a tree.

"All trees that we plant will be native to the Condamine region. While the henge is taking shape sponsors will be able to visit their trees during scheduled open day picnics for family and friends."

For more information visit www.treehenge.com.au, call 1800 181 101 or find us on FaceBook and Twitter.