Melbourne’s suburbs are set for a major boost in shade and greenery, with the state government committing $9.5 million to plant 500,000 new trees across the city.
The initiative expands on the existing More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program, which has already seen 500,000 trees planted across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The new More Trees in Melbourne program targets local government areas with low canopy cover and high heat vulnerability. Alongside tree planting, a high-resolution mapping project will track canopy growth across Melbourne, helping councils and planners direct resources to areas most in need.
From tomorrow, planning permit rules will tighten, introducing stronger protections for established trees. Any tree taller than five metres on a vacant residential lot will require a permit for removal, while trees near front and rear boundaries on developed lots will also be covered. Applications will be processed through the 10-day VicSmart system.
Community input into the government’s Plan for Victoria flagged green spaces as a top priority, shaping the broader target of achieving 30 percent canopy cover. Further protections for industrial and commercial land are expected later this year.
The program will be delivered in partnership with councils and land managers, with applications for grant funding opening in 2025.
