Congratulations to Moonee Valley City Council, named as a finalist in the international Wellbeing City Awards for the council’s Enhancing our Urban Forest initiative, a project which will help Moonee Valley’s community adapt to climate change.
The awards recognise councils from around the world placing wellbeing at the centre of urban design, planning and policies.
Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Narelle Sharpe said Council was honoured to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Sustainable Environment category.
“Our community told us that being healthy is their top priority for the future and one of the building blocks for a healthy city is a green city,” Cr Sharpe said.
“To create a green and healthy city for future generations to enjoy, we’ve set a goal to increase our tree canopy from 11 per cent to 30 per cent by 2040.”
Planning and Environment spokesperson Cr Nicole Marshall said Council was chosen from more than 100 cities from 27 countries across six continents and is the only Australian council to be nominated.
“This is an incredible initiative that will provide much-needed shade and cooling, better air quality and encourage people to walk, cycle and visit their local parks, shops and surrounds,” Cr Marshall said.
“Moonee Valley is one of the most heat vulnerable areas in Melbourne. Through this project we’re using innovative techniques to track tree canopy targets, including remote sensing and spatial analysis to enhance our urban forest.”
