To: The Victoria state government and Melbourne councillors
Reforest Melbourne and Restore Wetlands 🌳
Imagine waking up to see three beautiful native trees from your window, proper tree canopy in every neighbourhood and a lovely green space just a short walk away where you can relax and connect with Country.
- 3 trees: Every home sees three healthy, mature trees from its windows
- 30% canopy: Every neighbourhood has enough tree cover to stay cool and green
- 300 metres: Everyone can walk to a quality green space within just 300 metres
We call on our leaders to:
- Fund local communities, councils and land councils to achieve the 3:30:300 baseline - scale up the Urban Forest Fund, provide more grants for local tree planting groups and training for people in urban forestry
- Fund self-determined First Nations reforestation programs and return First Nations lands - support First Nations-led initiatives that restore Country and respect cultural knowledge
- Help suburbs most in need - extra funding for areas with the least canopy cover, ensuring every Melburnian benefits from our urban forest
- Protect our existing trees - strengthen tree protection laws and require new developments to include proper tree cover
- Restore and protect wetlands - invest in wetland restoration across Melbourne to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create additional cool, green spaces for communities
Why is this important?
Melbourne has already shown this is all possible! 🌟
Since 2011, vegetation along the Merri Creek has grown from 28.9% to 50.7%! As planting continues, and trees mature, canopy along the creek is projected to reach 65.1% by 2035. The restored Moomba Park Wetland filters stormwater from roads and roofs before it reaches Merri Creek, removing pollutants and improving water quality. It creates habitat for threatened species like the Growling Grass Frog, and includes walking tracks, viewing platforms, and educational signage where people can learn about water cycles and local wildlife. The native plants and water features create a natural cooling effect, helping to reduce urban heat.
For tens of thousands of years, First Nations peoples have managed and cared for these lands as a living cultural landscape that provides food, medicine, and spiritual connection.
Since colonisation began, 90% of Melbourne's wetlands have been destroyed. By restoring wetlands, we're not just bringing back ecosystems - we're healing the relationship between our city and Country, following the wisdom of First Nations land management that has sustained this place for millennia.
More trees = better health and happiness
Decades of research show that when we have enough trees around us, we experience less depression and anxiety. Our children have safe places to play. Friends and families can sit outside comfortably in the shade.
Decades of research show that when we have enough trees around us, we experience less depression and anxiety. Our children have safe places to play. Friends and families can sit outside comfortably in the shade.
We can have cooler, safer suburbs
As our climate changes, trees are our natural air conditioning. They can reduce summer temperatures by up to 8 degrees in the areas they shade. This isn't just about comfort – it's about safety. Trees protect people from heat-related illness and even death.
As our climate changes, trees are our natural air conditioning. They can reduce summer temperatures by up to 8 degrees in the areas they shade. This isn't just about comfort – it's about safety. Trees protect people from heat-related illness and even death.
Our communities will be stronger
When we have beautiful, tree-lined streets and nearby parks, we spend more time outdoors. We bump into neighbours. Children play together. Communities come alive. The trees we plant today are the legacy we leave for our grandchildren.
When we have beautiful, tree-lined streets and nearby parks, we spend more time outdoors. We bump into neighbours. Children play together. Communities come alive. The trees we plant today are the legacy we leave for our grandchildren.
Wildlife will thrive
Thousands of native flying foxes died in Melbourne's January heatwaves. These sacred animals can't handle temperatures over 42°C - and our city keeps getting hotter. More trees will help cool our city down.
Thousands of native flying foxes died in Melbourne's January heatwaves. These sacred animals can't handle temperatures over 42°C - and our city keeps getting hotter. More trees will help cool our city down.
We have the knowledge. We have the expertise. We have the opportunity to show the world what a truly liveable, sustainable city looks like. Now let's make it happen.
A city where every street has trees, every neighbourhood is cool and green, and every person can enjoy the benefits of nature, no matter where they live.
Sign to help make it happen! ✍️ And then find out how much tree canopy coverage your neighbourhood has here.