Max Hatzoglou
St Albans, Kings Park and Brimbank have been boosted with over 500 advanced trees planted in the area since last spring.
The trees will provide a new vibrant look to the west as the 588 new trees are a part of over 30,000 that have been planted across the west since last September.
And there’s more on its way as the trees are just the first phase of the state government’s More Trees for a Cooler Greener West initiative – which will see 500,000 trees planted across the western suburbs.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the initiative will help reach climate targets.
“These trees, together with our investment in local and suburban parks, will help Victoria tackle climate change and support our goal of halving emissions by 2030,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“We’re planting the right trees in the right places to give local communities in the western suburbs more opportunities to enjoy and explore nature.”
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said it would lead to an increase in green spaces.
“New trees throughout St Albans and surrounding areas will make the streets cooler and more accessible for local communities creating more shade and green spaces in the western suburbs,” Ms Suleyman said.
Friends of Kororoit Creek president Jessica Gerger supported the initiative.
“The Friends of Kororoit Creek wholeheartedly welcomes more street trees being planted – the streets are where we need them most,” Ms Greger said.
“People need to be able to walk in the shade and have our homes shielded from the Summer sun which will only get worse in a hotter future.
“It also provides much needed habitat for wildlife.
Ms Gerger hopes to see more initiatives in the future to support the wildlife in the area.
“We would love to see more suitable shrubs being planted to provide shelter for the beautiful little birds like Superb Fairy-wrens and Scrub Wrens.
“There are still many streets in the west that are pretty barren and would benefit from lots of planting.
