2019 Winner - Environmental Protection
Greening the West
Greening the West – 1 Million Trees Project
Melbourne’s growing western suburbs are, comparatively, disadvantaged from both a socioeconomic and community health perspective. These vulnerabilities are compounded by a lack of trees and quality public green spaces.
Greening the West is a collaboration that aims to deliver positive health and social outcomes and enhanced liveability through a program of urban greening.
Between 2015 and 2018, 1,072,320 trees and shrubs were planted across 320 parks, reserves, open spaces, roadsides and private land, covering an area of 1755 hectares.
This was achieved through the hard work of 15 government and community organisations, over 4500 volunteers and over 100 private landowners, who participated in 61 community events and tree planting days.
The project is a shining example of what can be achieved when local, state and federal governments work collaboratively with local communities.
Immediate benefits of the project include enhanced amenity of local open spaces, connecting the community to their local reserves and raising awareness of the benefits of trees and improving community physical and mental health and wellbeing by connecting people to outdoor spaces.
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