Provost St planting program underway

The City of Melbourne has kicked off works to green Provost and Little Provost streets in North Melbourne.

The greening works are part of the council’s Provost Street Greening Plan, which were suggested by local residents and business owners.

The project includes 41 new trees (24 on Provost St and 17 on Little Provost St), installing permeable ground for natural rainwater absorption and filtration, a new underground drainage system and creating a wider and more pedestrian-friendly footpath.

The changes will also see the road narrowed to reduce the number and speed of “through-way” vehicles.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the greening plan was an important project, which would help provide additional canopy cover and streetscape upgrades.

The council’s environment portfolio lead Cr Rohan Leppert, who consulted closely with locals to bring the project to the council’s attention, said it represented “another step forward” in the council’s “ambitious” urban forest strategy.

“Local residents asked for this project, we co-designed it with them, and I’m so delighted that these improvements are being delivered,” Cr Leppert said.

 “City greening projects like this are essential to help support Melbourne’s diverse urban forest, increase canopy cover and keep our city cool in a warming climate.” •