Council celebrates milestone with 3000th tree planted on Batman Avenue

The City of Melbourne has hit a major milestone in its mission to green the city, planting its 3000th tree for the financial year – and it’s not stopping there.

To mark the achievement, Lord Mayor Nick Reece and Cr Davydd Griffiths joined council staff on the banks of the Yarra River at Stapley Parade Reserve to plant a Moreton Bay fig, adding to the lush corridor along the popular Main Yarra Trail.

“We’re growing Melbourne as the garden city – one tree at a time,” the Lord Mayor said, adding that he and Cr Griffiths “had an absolute hoot planting a Moreton Bay fig at Stapley Parade Reserve” on June 23.

“We’ve just ticked our goal of planting 3000 trees for this financial year – and we’re still going,” Cr Reece said.

The planting effort is part of the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Strategy, which aims to increase tree canopy cover on public land to 40 per cent by 2040. To meet this goal, the city is committed to planting 3000 trees every year.

Cr Griffiths, who leads the council’s environment portfolio, said urban greenery played a crucial role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Melbourne’s greenery is one of our city’s most cherished features,” Cr Griffiths said. “By protecting and expanding our urban forest, we’re building a healthier, more sustainable city – with greater biodiversity, cleaner air and cooler temperatures.”

Since 2020, around 500 trees have been planted in the area, with a further 430 native and indigenous species, including Manna Gums, Yarra Gums, Black Wattles and Moonahs, planned for 2025. •