At a time when Melbourne is experiencing rapid population growth and increasing impacts of climate change, the green elements of our city are more important than ever.
The City of Melbourne has a number of strategies and programs in place to increase the quantity and quality of green space in our city.
We are working to double our tree canopy cover, increase the amount of open space, green our iconic laneways, improve biodiversity and enhance our urban ecosystems.
While these programs are making an impact on Melbourne’s public realm, widespread greening across all areas of the city will lead to much better environmental, social and economic outcomes.
Approximately 75 per cent of the land within the City of Melbourne municipal area is privately owned or managed, so there is huge potential for the private realm to contribute more towards greening our city.
To achieve increased greening across the City of Melbourne, we need greater investment in green infrastructure and that requires a new and innovative approach. The Urban Forest Fund aims to build partnerships between government and the private sector to deliver additional greening above and beyond existing Council capital works investment. Melbourne is a truly liveable city, and we want to collaborate across the community to make our city even better.