Plantings help cool creek

Plantings as part of the Galada Tamboore project. (Supplied)

One hundred and twenty red gum and sheoak trees and 1700 native shrubs and grasses were recently planted along a 1.2 kilometre stretch of the Merri Creek Trail in Campbellfield.

The plantings were part of Melbourne Water’s Galada Tamboore project, which is part of its Urban Cooling Program aimed at transforming public land, paths and trails into cooler and more enjoyable community spaces.

Melbourne Water waterways and catchment operations general manager Emily Phillips said the project will provide long term benefits for the community and the environment.

“Planting trees not only helps cool our city, but can also improve amenity, create habitat and lessen the impact of stormwater pollution on our rivers and creeks,” Ms Phillips said.

“As the trees grow, they will shade the Merri Creek Trail at Galada Tamboore and transform the area into a more inviting place where cyclists and pedestrians are protected from the summer sun.

“The planting has been designed to protect remnant grassland vegetation and biodiversity values within the broader reserve.”