GIVING TREES TO THE MCC

In a bid to double Melbourne's urban canopy by 2040, the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest initiative aims to help establish and maintain trees and plantlife throughout several key public spaces in the city. The latest space to benefit from this initiative will be the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a space that has a long history of tree-lined landscaping.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC confirms that 84 trees will be planted in Yarra Park this week, including 53 Elm trees and 31 native and exotic species. “The elms we have donated have been propagated from trees from Royal Parade Boulevard in Parkville,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The elms around the MCG in Yarra Park are around 100 years old and they’re beginning to reach the end of their life expectancy. We don’t want to risk losing them at the same time so we’re supporting the MCC’s efforts to replenish the avenues to ensure there’s canopy cover for future generations.

“The trees are already three to four metres tall so they can go straight into the landscape and have an immediate impact.” 

Yarra Park is home to 1160 trees in total, 377 of which are English Elm trees. The parkland has been managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) since 2010 and the ongoing care of the area includes the reestablishment of the iconic tree-line.

The 24 new Elm trees, along with the 60 other trees from the MCC, will help to enhance the quality and diversity in terms of both age and species of trees throughout the parkland. The environmental diversity brought about by the new trees will enhance the area for locals and wildlife alike.

Chair of the City of Melbourne Environment Portfolio Cr Cathy Oke said that Melbourne’s population of Elm Trees is one of the most significant in the world.

“We’re committed to maintaining our globally significant population of 6000 elm trees, which are an important part of Melbourne’s history and character,” Cr Oke said.  

“Succession planting is critical for replacing trees that have been impacted by drought and water restrictions and to increase tree canopy cover across the city.”   

Peter Wearne, MCC General Manager – Facilities, has expressed the club’s appreciation regarding the generous tree donation.

“As one of the main public parklands in Melbourne, and an intrinsic feature of the iconic MCG which it surrounds, it is essential that the health, sustainability and vitality of Yarra Park is maintained for years to come,” Mr Wearne said. 

“With the installation of the innovative underground water recycling facility in 2012 ensuring Yarra Park has a sustainable water supply for future maintenance and upkeep, the MCC has been able to focus on improving the overall landscape and amenity of the park, via projects such as the selective rejuvenation and diversification of the tree species.”

“We look forward to future opportunities to partner with the City of Melbourne to enhance one of the city’s green urban spaces, and are sure the new trees will be enjoyed by current and future residents, visitors and sports fans.”

Further information about the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest initiative can be found HERE or at the City of Melbourne’s website www.melbourne.vic.gov.au