CBD greening projects share in council funding boost

Three high-profile CBD greening projects, including one at Federation Square, will share $250,000 under the City of Melbourne’s latest Urban Forest Fund grants round.

Councillors endorsed the funding at their July 28 meeting as part of the program’s High-impact Greening Stream, which supports larger projects on private property or permitted council footpaths.

The successful central-city projects include a biodiversity-focused renewal at Federation Square, a new laneway garden at QV and a temporary planter installation at 600 Collins St.

Federation Square will receive $100,000 towards its Greening Masterplan – Vision to Action project, which is intended to introduce a stronger biodiversity focus across the landmark civic and cultural precinct.

Another $100,000 has been allocated to Dexus for the QV Shilling Lane Garden, which will activate the inner-city laneway through the installation of trees and planters.

Hines will receive $50,000 in partial funding for the 600 Collins Nature Activation, a pilot developer-led project involving temporary planters on the council footpath.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the grants would help accelerate Melbourne’s transformation into a greener city.

“We’re funding the high-impact greening projects that will help us accelerate the Garden City,” Cr Reece said.

“Located across some of our busiest streets and iconic destinations, these projects will deliver new greening for the greatest number of people.”

The three CBD projects form part of a broader $453,277 funding package for six initiatives across the municipality, which included three other projects in North Melbourne. 

The successful applications have a combined project value of more than $1.1 million, representing an anticipated return of about $2.50 in greening investment for every dollar contributed by the council.

Environment portfolio lead Cr Davydd Griffiths said the projects would improve the city’s sustainability and liveability.

“We’re taking community greening to the next level, with up to $1 million in funding for high-impact projects across our city,” Cr Griffiths said.

The Urban Forest Fund is financed through the council’s Tree Removal Fund and offers matched grants for new green spaces in the private realm.

Since its launch, the program has contributed more than $3.2 million towards projects valued at $14.1 million and helped create around 42,400 square metres of new greening.

Funding agreements for the latest projects will include conditions covering milestones, maintenance, public access, quality standards and project delivery.