By Matthew Sims
Brimbank residents now have more green scenery on the way for their community, with more trees set to be planted as part of a state government program.
The Victorian government announced $5 million to plant mature and young trees in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program would see the introduction of 180,000 trees outside schools, along trails, in parks and on residential streets.
Under the program, Brimbank council would plant more than 23,000 tubestock and 205 advanced trees.
Western Melbourne has the lowest tree canopy cover in metropolitan Victoria.
In 2018, Western Melbourne accounted for 5.5 per cent of urban tree coverage in Melbourne in 2018, compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south east and 25.9 per cent in the east.
Tree coverage reduces urban temperatures by 10 to 25 degrees, filters pollution and provides oxygen, which helps reduce heat-related illness and death.
Details: environment.vic.gov.au/more-trees
