As part of an initiative by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, more than 50,000 plants have been planted along Park Street in Royal Park to plant 150,000 new trees, shrubs and grasses in our city.
The ‘Greening The city’s project is a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian government and is funded by the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria initiative.
Mayor Sally Capp said the ambitious project had created jobs for 54 people who would otherwise be unemployed, and another 10 people had collected data about trees across the city.
“This project creates dozens of jobs in these uncertain times and creates a more environmentally friendly Melbourne,” said the mayor.
“So far, workers have planted an average of 1,500 plants a day and covered a total of 5.5 hectares – that’s almost enough to plant the MCG oval three times.”
“Our parks and gardens have always been important to our city, but during the pandemic, they provided people with a critical space to exercise safely and enjoy fresh air.”
“If you invest in our parks and gardens, you will get a healthier and greener city now and in the future.”
The grasses that are planted include kangaroo grass, common wallaby grass, and native wildflowers such as Australian bluebell and chocolate lily. Trees include drooping sheoak; Yellow Box and River Red Gums – all native to the region.
In addition to planting, the 64 workers prepare locations, protect trees and plants from pests and diseases as they grow, and collect data about existing trees and plants.
Now that the planting on Park Street is complete, workers will plant 25,000 plants and trees on Avenue in Royal Park next week. Other future planting areas include Flemington Road (in the Royal Park) and parts of Dynon Road, the banks of the Maribyrnong River and Riverside Park in Kensington.
Environment portfolio chairwoman, councilor Cathy Oke, said the city continued to take climate action despite responding to COVID-19.
“Planting more trees and plants is one of the most effective and easiest ways to respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency,” said Cr Oke.
“This project creates 24,000 square meters of underground living space and increases underground vegetation in the city by six percent.”
“Underground plantings are incredibly important for promoting biodiversity – which is necessary to maintain a healthy environment in our parks and gardens.”
“These 150,000 native plants and trees will provide a vital habitat for our 276 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and frogs, as well as more than 1,500 species of insects.”
This project complements the $ 1.8 million annual investment in planting 3,000 trees per year.
For more information, visit: melbourne.vic.gov.au/Greening-the town
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