By Matthew Sims
Ensuring a greener and more sustainable for Maribyrnong was the focus of Monash University student Emma Ward during her time within the Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program at Footscray MP Katie Hall’s office.
She has recently published a report titled ‘A Green Future for Melbourne’s Industrial Inner West’, which looked at the potential to create a greener future for Footscray’s central business district.
The report proposed a number of recommendations, including refurbishing the current underused open spaces in Footscray, greening Footscray’s laneways and improving organic recycling options for businesses.
Ms Hall said the report would be helpful in advocating for greener strategies for Maribyrnong moving forward.
“I’m passionate about taking real action on climate change, improving our green canopy and urban forest, as well as reducing waste,” she said.
“Emma’s award-winning report was informed by almost 200 survey responses from local residents and I’m enormously grateful for the community input.”
Maribyrnong chief executive Celia Haddock said the council is looking at reviewing the Street Tree Strategy 2013 document, which will complement a range of other work.
“Ensuring our city continues to support a growing population and is green and sustainable is a priority for council, and we continue to work with residents and support the delivery of key policies and strategies,” she said.
“A range of improvements are proposed through the suburb as part of the draft Footscray Public Realm Plan – which more than 300 residents provided feedback on in early 2022 by sharing their ‘vision for Footscray’.
“A draft of this document is currently being finalised to share with our community.
“To support green infrastructure, in line with the Climate Emergency Strategy, council is working to implement a range of changes, including energy efficiency upgrades to all council buildings and assets, including the installation of solar materials and the roll out of energy efficiency appliances including lighting, heating and cooling.”
