Final round of applications opens for tree-planting program to increase greenery, shade, and wildlife habitats.
Applications are now open for the final round of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program, aiming to plant 500,000 trees in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
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The program, which has already delivered 410,000 trees since 2021, targets areas with limited tree canopy coverage, such as Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham.
This final phase will involve the planting of approximately 90,000 trees, including both young and mature varieties, in schools, parks, and reserves over the next 18 months. A mix of tube stock and advanced trees will be prioritised for streets and public spaces most in need of increased greenery and shade.
The initiative is designed to create more green spaces, provide habitats for wildlife, and address the urban heat island effect by offering cooler streets and parks during summer.
Applications are open to local councils, public land managers, and Traditional Owner Corporations from Tuesday, 19 November, to 3 December 2024. Schools will have the opportunity to apply for native trees early next year, with planting scheduled throughout 2025 and 2026.
The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program complements broader efforts to expand green spaces in the region. This includes the creation of 6,500 hectares of new open space and parklands as part of a $315 million initiative to develop walking and bike trails, pocket parks, and dog parks, along with upgrading existing spaces in Melbourne’s west.
