Urban Forest Strategy

Making a great city greener

Developed in 2012, this strategy recognises the social, economic and environmental contribution that plants and green spaces make to the city.

Its main goal is to make Melbourne greener – to create a city within a forest rather than a forest within a city.

The strategy also aims to create resilient landscapes and a liveable, sustainable city.

The strategy recognises that water is the primary element needed for vegetation growth. To meet the goals set out in the strategy ensuring consistent supply of sustainable, fit-for-purpose water is essential.

Our sustainable water projects support the Urban Forest strategy by:

• Providing a reliable source of water for irrigation, resulting in increased canopy cover, biodiversity and transpirational cooling.
• Increasing permeability and soil moisture to encourage deep root growth and stable trees.
• Redirecting stormwater for irrigation use and to replenish groundwater.
• Increasing the amount of vegetation in the city through raingardens, tree pits, and wetlands.