Funding has been announced for the successful applicants in phase 5 of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program.
More than 89,000 more trees will be planted by the end of 2026 to meet the 500,000 tree target.
We have invested a further $1.7 million to deliver the final phase of plantings, with both advanced trees and small tubestock trees to be planted in areas of western Melbourne with the lowest tree canopy cover.
“We’ve already planted more than 410,000 trees across Melbourne’s bustling western suburbs,” DEECA’s Regional Director Port Phillip, Stephen Chapple, said, “with local councils, water authorities and other organisations putting their hands up to host some of the remaining trees.”
Twelve delivery partners successfully secured Phase 5 funding, including:
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who are planting 7,500 trees on Wadawurrung Country,
Victoria University, who are planting 5,000 trees at their Werribee campus, and Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, who are planting more than 6,700 trees at Harkness Memorial Park.
The trees planted through More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West have been strategically placed in various locations across Melbourne’s inner west where they are needed most, including in parks and reserves, alongside shared user paths and roads, and across residential and industrial areas.
“These trees are increasing our city’s urban forest and canopy cover for increased shading and cooling,” Mr Chapple said, “as well as increasing biodiversity and improving air quality."
A driving principle behind the delivery of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program has been collaboration at every stage. Trees have been planted in partnership with Traditional Custodians, land managers, community groups, volunteers and schools.
This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment of the government and the broader community to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Our phase 5 delivery partners are:
- Brimbank City Council
- Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
- Victoria University
- Hobson’s Bay City Council
- Maribyrnong City Council
- Greater Western Water
- Melton City Council
- Moonee Valley City Council
- Melbourne Water
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
- Wyndham City Council
- Zoos Victoria
More detail on the program can be found on More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West
Page last updated: 08/05/25