The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorian families open the door to greener and leafier streets across Melbourne, making their suburbs cooler and better to live in.

Steve McGhie announced new protections for the tree canopy and $9.5 million to plant 500,000 more trees across Melbourne which will improve air quality, create more shade and cool down urban areas during summer.

Building on the success of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program – which is planting half a million trees – the new More Trees in Melbourne initiative will deliver an additional half a million trees across Local Government Areas with below-average tree canopy cover and high heat vulnerability.

To help support the delivery of more trees where they are needed most, a new tree canopy mapping project will provide up-to-date, high-resolution data on urban tree canopy cover across Melbourne – enabling planning, smarter investment and more effective tracking of progress over time.

There will also be stronger protections for established trees across the state – a planning permit will be required to remove trees taller than five metres on vacant residential lots.

For lots with an existing house or planning approval for a house a permit will be required for the removal of trees within six metres of the front boundary and 4.5 metres from the rear boundary – all permits to be fast tracked through the 10 day VicSmart process.

As part of the consultation process for the Labor Government’s Plan for Victoria, the community highlighted the importance of green spaces, and this feedback has helped shape the Plan’s target to deliver 30 percent tree canopy cover – with further protections on industrial and commercial land to be introduced later this year.

The More Trees in Melbourne program will be delivered in partnership with local councils and land managers, who will be invited to apply for grant funding next year.

Quote attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos

“We are helping to cool down Melbourne’s suburbs by planting half a million more trees where they are needed most.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny

“By protecting our tree canopy, we’re making sure communities across our suburbs can enjoy the benefits of shade, cleaner air and more liveable neighbourhoods for generations to come."

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Planting half a million trees across Melbourne will help create cooler and shadier spaces for families to enjoy spending time outdoors together, especially in warmer months.”