Yarra Ranges Council is asking candidates in the upcoming Federal Election to commit to a $9.5 million plan to plant more than 130,000 trees locally.
Council has proposed a Greening the Suburbs program to provide improved amenity and liveability across Yarra Ranges, while future-proofing the environment and enhancing the green character of the region, as part of its election advocacy campaign.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said the proposal is to plant more than 130,000 trees – a mix of street planting and planting in bushlands and reserves – throughout all parts of the municipality.
“We know that as the climate changes and our urban areas evolve, severe weather events such as storms and heatwaves will become more common, and our tree canopy will continue to decline,” Mayor Child said.
“Trees provide sun protection for pedestrians and help to reduce heat in urban areas, while supporting the beautiful natural environment we’re known for.
“In the June 2021 storms, we estimate that 25,000 trees fell in Yarra Ranges alone, permanently changing the landscape.
“Before this, from 2014-18, our built-up areas lost 186 hectares of tree canopy cover – roughly the surface area of 104 MCGs.
“We’re asking all Federal parties and candidates to commit to Greening Our Suburbs.”
He said the project will have a direct benefit for community members and the environment.
“If we can secure this funding, we would organise plantings along streets in our urban areas, in bushlands and reserves throughout the valley and hills.”
“This project would be planned to maximise biodiversity with the community and particularly our amazing environmental volunteers and Friends Groups engaged on planting areas, to ensure we get the right trees in the right place for our residents,” he said.
To read about the project and others, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/FedElection22
