Altona Meadows trail users will soon have more shade on their trips, with Hobsons Bay council planning to plant 320 native species along Skeleton Creek trail and Bay Trail West over the coming weeks.
The new eucalyptus melliodora trees, also known as Yellow Box, will be planted from mid-August to September, providing shade along the trail enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the new plantings will contribute to the council’s Urban Forest Strategy to increase the city’s tree canopy to 30 per cent by 2040.
“Creating a greener Hobsons Bay is a key priority for Council and this planting will further improve what is already a popular spot for anyone wanting to go for a bike ride, walk or run in the area,” he said.
“Providing more shade along these pathways will encourage more people to get out and use them in warmer months, creating a more active and socially connected community.”
The trees will be planted with 10-metre spacings and will be regularly pruned. The plantings will follow on from last year’s planting of 200 mature trees along the Skeleton Creek Trail to the west as the first stage of planting in the area.
Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/OurUrbanForest
Matthew Sims
