Australian homeowners could be missing out on a surprising free perk already available through their council rates, with residents in one region able to claim free plants simply by showing their rates notice. Mackay Regional Council ratepayers can collect four native plants for free every year , with the next major giveaway being held on Saturday, September 26. The entitlement applies to each property paying rates, meaning people with multiple properties can claim four plants for each assessment number every year. Aussie families eligible for new $200 payment on everyday expense Aussie families eligible for new $200 payment on everyday expense Council offers free solution to nationwide bin day problem Council offers free solution to nationwide bin day problem Thousands of Aussies eligible for $60 energy bill refund from now Thousands of Aussies eligible for $60 energy bill refund from now Renters can also access the program by obtaining their property's rates notice from their landlord or real estate agent, although permission may be required before planting. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson told Yahoo News Australia the program had been running since June 2019 and was designed to encourage residents to green their properties while supporting local wildlife. "Local natives require less water than exotic species and provide food and habitat to birds, bees and butterflies," he said. Mackay residents have been taking advantage of a little-known council perk that has seen as many as 13,000 plants handed out for free in a single year. Between 3,000 and 4,000 ratepayers typically take part annually, with residents able to claim free native plants for their gardens.

Do you have a council story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com Some homeowners can get 10 more plants There is another way eligible residents can boost their haul. Mackay's Gardens for Wildlife program offers ratepayers an additional 10 native plants on top of the four available through the standard scheme, with participants required to include at least one canopy tree. The program is capped at 500 gardens each year and operates on a first-in, best-dressed basis. Larger properties participating in council's Land for Wildlife program can receive 20 plants, while schools and community groups can claim up to 50. Councils across Australia are offering residents free native plants as part of programs designed to boost local biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife. Source: Getty Where else can Aussies score free plants? Mackay isn't the only council giving residents free greenery, with similar perks available across Australia. In NSW, Wollondilly Shire residents can collect five free native plants each quarter, while Hornsby Shire offers residents four annually. Queenslanders can also cash in. Brisbane residents can claim two free native plants each financial year, while Logan property owners can collect three. In Victoria, Cardinia Shire's Gardens for Wildlife program provides participants with six free indigenous plants. The amount and eligibility vary between councils, meaning it's worth checking your local council to see whether there's a free plant, tree or gardening program you've been missing out on. You can also follow us on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X and YouTube .