A forward-thinking group is asking community members to help transform a Queanbeyan block into the region’s newest green space.

The Microforest Collective has established a series of microforests across NSW and the ACT (and further afield) to mitigate urban heat and foster community connections.

Mitch Porteous, co-founder and co-project lead of Queanbeyan’s first foray into microforests, said the next step for the latest project was to form a committee made up of local champions to help “bring it alive”.

Once the seeds are planted, it will mark the organisation’s second microforest in Queanbeyan, following a site within Blackall Avenue Park.

Earlier this year, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) decided to back the new project, including in-kind support.

According to council documents, the project will be located on Ash Street in Karabar, within a 2112 sqm site. Access will be through Ash and Hakea streets.

Mitch said while work on the town’s second microforest was still in the early stages, the committee would be able to leave its mark.

“There’s a lot of local pride in Queanbeyan and I love that about Queanbeyan,” he said.

“This project is special and this opportunity is special because it gives people the chance to show how much of a strong community exists in Queanbeyan.”

Mitch said a formal design workshop was expected by the end of summer, while grant applications and crowdfunding campaigns would run from mid-2026.

A microforest is a team effort – like this one in Moruya – and the committee shares the work. Photo: The Climate Factory.

Once a committee is formed, members will chat with neighbours about their concerns and come up with a formal microforest design.

Fortunately, one of Microforest Collective’s co-founders is a landscape architect, so there’ll be an expert on hand to answer questions.

“Then, it’s putting those plans to council … [and] working with our local nursery partner, working with our local contractor to get the place set up for success,” Mitch said.

The small area is then densely planted with a variety of plants to create a mini ecosystem.

Mitch encouraged every resident, young and old, to get their hands dirty with the project.

“Queanbeyan is older than Canberra and I think it’s going through a bit of a resurgence,” he said.

“A lot of younger people are moving out to Queanbeyan as well, potentially because of property prices … a lot of those younger families, young professionals are keen to make a difference and connect with local people to grow their network.

“Most of the microforests we’ve created have been with young parents and young professionals – I can see that happening again.”

Find more information via the Queanbeyan Microforest Facebook page or on its Instagram page.