Goya Dmytryshchak
Who doesn’t love a tree? Aside from being lovely to look at and great for climbing, trees in urban settings play a very functional role, shading streets and buildings, acting as carbon sinks, improving air quality, reducing stormwater flows and absorbing nutrients that can pollute waterways.
They can enhance biodiversity and support a wide range of species, including endangered animals. Perhaps most importantly, they can help build our community’s resilience to climate change by reducing urban heat and keeping our streets cool.
Council has adopted the ambitious target of reaching 30 per cent tree canopy cover by 2040 through the Urban Forest Strategy. In order to achieve this target, council has committed to giving away 3000 free trees for households to plant in targeted areas within the municipality. This has been a significant investment for council but one which will no doubt bear fruit in the future.
The first tree giveaway event in Brooklyn last month was a huge success and I’m so excited that the next one will be held in the Wetlands Ward, in McCormack Park in Laverton on Saturday, June 5, from 10am-12pm. Come along, grab a tree and help plant the seeds for a greener future!
Council is progressing with its Better Places Laverton program with discussions beginning on the design of the Henderson Street Reserve project. Upgrading this neighbourhood park will not only have great benefits for the local community but also members of the nearby Western Autistic School. Council will be consulting with students, parents and teachers of the school on the accessibility aspects of the park and I will also be advocating for the provision of shade and fencing to ensure everyone can play safely. I would also like to encourage all members of the community, no matter their age or ability, to have their say when it comes to projects like these.
Moving further afield, National Volunteer Week will be celebrated across the municipality this month. We’re shining the spotlight on individuals within our community who make our community a better place by showcasing a travelling photo exhibition. The exhibition will travel across various locations including Louis Joel in Altona, the Williamstown Community and Education Centre, South Kingsville Community Centre and the Laverton Community Hub. Visit the council website for dates and locations. Volunteers and volunteering are something very close to my heart and I would like to thank all those in our community who give so much of their time, energy and passion into making the lives of others easier and where we live a better place. They are true heroes.
