By Molly Magennis
Thousands of new trees will be planted across the west by November thanks to a program funded by the state government to help tackle climate change.
On April 23 Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced the next round of grants and locations for 180,000 trees as part of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. This is in addition to the 30,000 trees which have already been planted.
A total of $5 million will be invested to plant both mature and young trees outside schools, along trails, in parks and on residential streets across six council areas in the west including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Melbourne’s west currently has the lowest tree canopy cover in metropolitan Victoria, with just 5.5 per cent of urban tree cover in Melbourne in 2018, compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east.
The benefits of increased tree coverage are widespread, not only does it reduce urban temperatures by 10-25°C but it also helps to filter pollution and provide oxygen, overall helping reduce heat-related illness and death.
Ms D’Ambrosio said this program and the government’s investment in parks will help boost livability, improve air quality and aid in halving emissions by 2030.
“We’re partnering with councils, land managers and Traditional Owner Corporations to invest in communities in the west, understand the needs of locals and support Aboriginal self-determination and planting on Country.”
