Greening the West is inviting visitors to explore its new website which is designed to increase awareness and understanding of urban greening and the issues facing Melbourne’s west.
The community now has access to information on the range of partners involved with the regional initiative, and the projects they’re undertaking to enrich the community as a whole.
“The new site gives us the opportunity to share our success stories, projects, ideas and people – and connect with the most important people of all – the residents of Melbourne’s west,” says Clare Lombardi, Greening the West Project Manager.
Sowing the seeds of change
As some of the fastest growing areas in Victoria with less rainfall and warmer daytime temperatures, the western suburbs of Melbourne are under significant strain. Greening the West came about in response to these environmental pressures, which are threatening the health and wellbeing of the local community.
A 2011 think tank hosted by City West Water posed the question, “Are the key land managers in the west interested in coming together to work as an alliance for positive change?” When the answer was ‘Yes’, Greening the West was born.
Cultivating a greening strategy
The Strategic Plan of Greening the West was launched in 2013 and included some major commitments towards a greener, healthier west.
They’re already well on the way, with key activities working towards those commitments including successfully applying for Federal Government 20 Million Trees funding. This will see one million trees planted over the next three years.
Other ventures that are increasing liveability and sustainability in the west include stormwater harvesting schemes, creek revegetation and park revitalisation projects.
A joint venture that’s growing nicely
Since its inception, Greening the West has attracted 21 partners from local government, water corporations, government agencies, industry and the local community.
Each partner is profiled on the new website along with details of their involvement in the projects that are each profiled too.
Empowering the community to expand green outcomes
The events section of the website lets visitors browse ‘green’ happenings in their area such as workshops and community garden events. And the ‘Green Room’ blog offers news articles, new research findings and inspiration for visitors’ own greening projects. Visitors are encouraged to report their events and projects or seek advice about a potential one.
Feeling better, breathing easier – improving liveability in Melbourne’s west
The Greening the West website is a tool to both encourage community engagement and showcase its partners and the joint ventures they’re involved in.
From pot plants to car parks, nature strips to community gardens, walls to waterways, wherever there is an urban greening opportunity, Greening the West is grabbing it – and creating more liveable suburbs as a result.