Students make ‘tree change’ from the classroom

Tree care in the Northern Territory is reaching greater heights with Charles Darwin University’s new arboriculture course proving a success.

Students in the new Certificate III in Arboriculture course are putting theory into practise by partaking in tree climbing workshop activities on Casuarina campus.

An area was roped off and students wore harnesses and appropriate protective gear while they took turns setting ropes and climbing trees.

Horticulture and Aquaculture team leader Scott McDonald said the 2008 International Tree Climbing Championship’s Australian representative, Richard Kenyon, was helping to deliver the program as guest lecturer.

“Students will gain important skills to help them in the arboriculture industry, an area with a high demand for qualified workers in Darwin,” Mr McDonald said.

He said the course would also help boost the level of skills across the NT’s arboriculture industry and improve the maintenance and care of trees in Darwin’s urban forest.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the NT Tree Climbing Championships, which will be held in conjunction with the Tropical Garden Spectacular on May 31.

The course includes tree identification, chainsaw operation, tree maintenance and aerial rigging.

Students are encouraged to have current employment or previous experience in the arboriculture industry before applying to enrol in the course, which will run for 18 months on a part-time basis. For more information visit: www.cdu.edu.au/cdu-vet/primaryindustries/horticulture-aquaculture-topend