Greening North Melbourne’s streets

A street in North Melbourne with no trees will soon have 36 square metres of greenery thanks to the City of Melbourne (CoM) following overwhelming support from the local community.

Lt Baillie St will soon have 13 new medium-sized street trees complete with biodiverse garden beds within the tree plots.

Three car spaces will be repurposed for the introduction of the 13 new Nyssa sylvatica – Black Tupelo – trees, with 20 on-street spaces retained.

The council’s environment portfolio lead Cr Rohan Leppert said the trees had been carefully chosen following consultation with the residents.

“City greening projects like this are essential to support a diverse urban forest, increase canopy cover and keep our city cool in a warming climate,” Cr Leppert said.

“The project adheres to the best water sensitive urban design principles, and 36 square metres of permeable area will replace bitumen, allowing for natural absorption of rainwater.”

In June 2021, the CoM shared an initial street greening concept with the community to introduce canopy cover, street greening and garden beds.

According to the council, various forms of communications were sent to all residents, businesses, and property owners in and surrounding Lt Baillie St, with at least 6650 people reached.

Overall, 81 per cent of participants in the survey were “very” or “somewhat” supportive of the proposal, while 19 per cent were “very” or “somewhat” unsupportive.

In a selection of community feedback featured on the Participate Melbourne’s website, one local said, “North Melbourne really needs more trees and parks. Nature brings happiness and wellbeing.”

Another commented that Lt Baillie St had no trees at all.

“I think planting will enhance the streets liveability and attractiveness,” they said.

However, there was some concern that Lt Baillie St would not be able to handle car parking during peak hours with the reduction during peak hours.

“During peak hours Baillie St and Little Baillie St are at capacity for parking for residents and those who work in the street and neighbouring streets,” the local said.

Another suggested the City of Melbourne had to start using space better in the municipality.

“I want more green investment by Melbourne City Council. We have to start better using space and particularly unused space,” the local said.

The Black Tupelos provide striking seasonal colours and are known to perform well in a changing climate •