UPDATE: Ardeer South Primary School has achieved a remarkable environmental milestone by planting 1,800 trees and plants on its campus since 2021. This initiative is part of the “more trees for a cooler greener west” program, urgently aimed at improving air quality and cooling down school grounds during scorching summer months.
The need for this initiative is pressing. The western region of Melbourne suffers from below-average tree canopy cover and high heat vulnerability, making this effort crucial for both environmental health and student well-being.
Principal Andrea Markham expressed the positive impacts of the school’s tree planting campaign. “In just two years, we’ve created a canopy around the school,” she said. “We conduct biodiversity audits annually and have observed an increase in wildlife since planting these trees.” This initiative is not just about beautifying the campus; it fosters a sense of environmental stewardship among students.
On July 27, as part of National Tree Day, students planted 50 additional trees that they dubbed “our backyard forest.” Year six students collaborated with their prep buddies to design and plant this area, emphasizing the school’s commitment to sustainability practices.
In a significant development, Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny visited the school on September 14 to announce a substantial $9.5 million funding boost. This funding will support the planting of 500,000 trees across Melbourne. The state government plans to launch a new tree canopy mapping project to provide high-resolution data on urban tree coverage, enabling smarter planning and investment.
Mr. Dimopoulos highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are helping to cool down Melbourne’s suburbs by planting half a million more trees where they are needed most.”
This urgent push for greenery not only addresses immediate climate concerns but also promotes community health and well-being. As the campaign progresses, the school community remains motivated and engaged, witnessing firsthand the environmental benefits of their efforts.
The momentum for tree planting in Melbourne shows no signs of slowing down. Residents and environmental advocates are encouraged to keep an eye on future announcements and initiatives as the city works toward becoming more sustainable and livable for all.
Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial environmental initiative.
