Kaushaliya Vaghela: My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Solar Homes, The Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio MP. My question relates to the portfolio responsibilities of Energy, Environment and Climate Change.
The Andrews Labor Government is helping build a greener West with 500,000 new trees. Trees will create cooler spaces for families, and they will be enjoyed by generations to come. More importantly, these trees will help reduce the urban heat island effect. The Western Suburbs experience the greatest urban heat island effect across Metropolitan Melbourne. Trees will help cooling West down, improve air quality and tackle climate change.
The Government is investing $5 million to plant both mature and young trees across Melbourne’s West helping create more shade and greenery.
My question to the Minister is: can the Minister please provide me an update on where will these trees be planted and how this initiative will benefit the residents of the Western Metropolitan Region?
Reply:
Lily D’Ambrosio MP Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister for Solar Homes (27 October 2021):
On 3 October 2021 I announced the first grants through the Victorian Government’s More Trees for a Cooler Greener West initiative. The first phase of the program will see 32,500 trees planted this spring and next autumn to give them the best chance of survival.
The trees will be planted in streets, parks and reserves across the local government areas of Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham. These trees will increase the urban forest and provide canopy cover for increased shading and cooling.
A detailed list of the projects can be found at:
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/more-trees-for-a-cooler-greener-west.