Green Your Street is a free program that aims to improve local streets and neighbourhoods through the planting of trees on nature strips, drawing on community involvement and care.
As a result of a strong theme emerging during the City of Greater Geelong’s consultation process for the Corio Norlane Structure Plan, the Corio Ward is trialing a Green Your Streets program in Brooks Street, Norlane.
Corio Ward Councillor Kylie Fisher said that, “One of the comments we kept hearing from people was that they would like greener, more pleasant neighbourhoods. By planting more street trees we create attractive streets that will provide shade and beauty, and encourage walking within neighbourhoods.”
Initiated by the Community Development Team, and with support from Parks & Services, Brooks Street residents were asked if they would like one or two street trees on their nature strip, with a choice between ornamental pear, crepe myrtle or kanooka trees.
Cr Fisher said, “The households who have put their hand up for trees have agreed to take on the watering and initial care of their tree.
“The severe lack of water faced by our region in recent years has restricted our community’s ability to plant lots of trees. Even now the cost of establishing new trees is high because the ongoing watering is more expensive than the trees themselves,” said Cr Fisher.
Green Your Street aims to increase tree planting with the help of residents, who water and care for the tree in its early growth stages. The City of Greater Geelong plants the tree and provides long term maintenance, including pruning, once the trees are established.
“We’re really hoping Green Your Street will be successful in Brooks Street so we can extend it to other local streets and neighbourhoods in the Corio and Norlane area,” said Cr Fisher.
