No trees will be removed from the old Albion Explosives Factory site when it is transformed into a residential neighbourhood, if the state opposition wins November’s election.
Development Victoria plans to develop the 41-hectare site on Ballarat Road into a residential, retail, commercial and community precinct, comprising 840 dwellings, of which 25 per cent will be affordable housing.
As part of the development, numerous trees have been slated for removal, with residents calling for the trees to be saved.
Opposition planning and heritage spokesman Ryan Smith said a Liberal-National government would commit to retaining the trees and would plant 10,000 trees within the development and its surrounds.
He said the commitment would form part of the opposition’s pledge to increase Melbourne’s tree canopy coverage from 15 per cent to 35 per cent by 2050.
Tree canopies, as living infrastructure, deliver many social and environmental benefits, including reducing urban temperatures, supporting biodiversity and ecosystems, providing shade and cooling, and promoting physical activity, Mr Smith said.
“Residents moving into these new estates deserve the same services as those in established areas,” he said.
“A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals government … will deliver more trees and a more liveable environment.”
Liberal candidate for St Albans, Maria Kerr, said the pledge would help to support cooler, safer and more liveable local communities.
“This government’s complete disregard for the people of Cairnlea is insulting. It’s a disgrace that years after the promise of greenery, residents face the prospect of a concrete jungle after losing what they little greenery they have.”
“I’m proud to stand here … with the promise of planting 10,000 trees for the area so that residents will receive what was promised to them and more.”
Development Victoria property development group head Penny Forrest previously told Star Weekly that as part the project, about 3000 trees will be planted and well-maintained to ensure their long-term health.
