Cool It free tree-planting program now open for nominations

Published on 29 October 2024

Mildura Rural City Council is once again offering residents an opportunity to transform their street with new tree plantings as part of the latest round the successful Cool It program.

The program aims to provide quality tree canopy cover by planting semi-mature trees in areas of need.

Benefits include improved streetscape amenities, more shade and walkability, and addressing impacts of climate change.

General Manager Healthy Communities Mark Jenkins said more than 60 streets across the municipality have already benefitted from the program since it was launched in 2019.

Residents can nominate their street or section of street by completing an online form at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Cool-It

Nominated streets need to:

• Be five years or older
• Have little-to-no shade trees in nature strips
• Have the majority of residents supporting more trees on nature strips.

Residents who successfully nominate for the program will be encouraged to take an active role in the engagement process, ensuring each tree-planting is tailored to their street. This includes opportunities to ask any questions about the program and providing input into the species selected for each street.

All nominations will be assessed for suitability by Council officers.

Mr Jenkins encouraged residents to take advantage of the program and nominate their street.

“This is a powerful opportunity to play an active role to improve shade and amenity in your street and broader neighbourhood,” he said.

“To be successful residents will need to agree to water their tree regularly during the spring and summer months.

“It’s been encouraging to see the positive impacts the previous two rounds of the Cool It program have had, and the pride and ownership residents have in the plantings.”

Nominations will close on Friday 29 November.

For more information about the Cool It Street Program contact Environmental Sustainability Education Officer Nardia Baker on 03 5018 8100 or at nardia.baker@mildura.vic.gov.au

ENDS