THE future of Footscray now looks a shade green following the release of a $3-million draft project aimed at reshaping the city.
A draft of the green environmental plan has been placed on public display after the unanimous support from councillors at the Maribyrnong City Council meeting last week.
The Draft Greening Footscray Strategy incorporates a 15-year plan under which more than 1800 trees will be planted across the city.
Saltwater Ward Councillor Janet Rice said the draft shows the City of Maribyrnong is committed to sustainability and addressing climate change.
“The Greening Footscray Strategy provides a plan for reshaping Footscray as both a greener, more pleasant environment,” she said.
The strategy maps out a plan for tree planting throughout Footscray and incorporates other environmental strategies for the area.
Cr Rice said the long-term project would also create a carbon sink that would eventually absorb almost 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The strategy has two primary aims: to improve pedestrian amenities in the central business district and pedestrian corridors, and to help mark and define Footscray.
“This strategy goes beyond just greening Footscray, it will make Footscray more pedestrian friendly and reduce traffic congestion,” she said.
“This is about making Footscray a place where people want to spend time, an activity centre where residents can shop, eat, and play.”
The first part of the strategy is a five-year tree-planting program for the centre of Footscray that will support and extend work already being undertaken as part of the Maddern Square and Nicholson Street Mall redevelopments.
Another important aspect of the strategy is the role residents can play in creating a greener future in Footscray. “We want residents to know that they can play a role in creating a sustainable future, even with simple changes like the way they set up their gardens. While council will act as a leader in this, we really want residents to take up the initiative,” Cr Rice said.
The plan also calls for a community brochure, Greening Footscray, to be produced to educate residents about the importance of sustainable planting.
“We’re really trying to emphasise the importance of native trees and shrubs in developing a sustainable plan for Footscray’s future,” Cr Rice said.
“The planting project will see at least 70 percent of the trees planted being native.”
Cr Rice said that planting would not be affected by current water restrictions as the strategy includes an allocation of resources for the maintenance of all new shrubs to ensure their survival.
The Draft Greening Footscray Strategy is available for community consultation until Friday 22 June at all council libraries, community centres, council offices and online at the website www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
