The proposed 16 new street trees, Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) are climate adapted species and their selection was guided by the Urban Forest Strategy and the North and West Melbourne Urban Forest Precinct Plan. This Precinct Plan has been endorsed by Council in 2014 following an extensive community consultation process and recommends a medium, deciduous tree for this location.

This tree species has been chosen as they are considered well-adapted and resilient to changing climatic conditions, creating shade, providing visual appeal and increasing amenity with their autumn display, as well as contributing to the diversity of the urban forest.

In this current proposal, we estimate a net loss of four on-street car parking spots, with 19 on street parking spaces to be retained.

The re-purposing of some road space is necessary to accommodate new landscaping features.

Preliminary traffic analysis and parking studies have indicated that this change should not impact local residents and business parking.

The project team at City of Melbourne have worked hard to assess the technical feasibility of this greening project, undertaking soil testing, service proving and assessing traffic and parking to ensure the proposal is achievable.

Due to conflict with underground services, trees are unable to be planted on the north side of Little Baillie Street.

Little Baillie Street will continue to provide one way of traffic, though the road lane will appear to be narrower with the inclusion of the street trees and garden beds. Our traffic study suggests these changes would naturally reduce the number and slow the speed of vehicles, creating a safer and more pleasant experience for people who are walking, cycling or utilising Little Baillie Street.

The Urban Forest Strategy aims to create a resilient, healthy and diverse urban forest which contributes to the health and wellbeing of the community and the creation of a liveable city.

One of the key targets within the strategy is to increase the canopy cover of Melbourne’s public realm to 40% by 2040. This will also help us to adapt to climate change.

Small street greening projects take us progressively closer to achieving this goal.

The Council endorsed urban forest precinct plan documents are a key implementation tool of the Urban Forest Strategy, providing a framework for tree planting in streets that will meet the Urban Forest Strategy targets.

We have worked closely with the community and key stakeholders to generate these plans to provides the basis for the street tree planting program that is consistent with neighbourhood character, the community’s vision for the future urban forest, and the principles of the Urban Forest Strategy.

The precinct plans help to guide implementation of the urban forest strategy in Melbourne’s streets. The information provided in the plans will direct the annual tree planting program to achieve urban forest strategy objectives, protect and enhance neighbourhood character, and to prioritise works and budgets within each precinct. Each plan identifies priority streetscapes for tree planting and specific direction is provided on the selection of appropriate trees for the precinct.

The vision in the North and West Melbourne Urban Forest Precinct Plan is that this precinct will be alive with colour, diversity and interest. Its shady, layered and connected canopy will provide a retreat for people and wildlife. The varied character of the precinct will be reflected in the character of plantings.

Construction is estimated to take place at the start of 2022. We will keep you informed about these works closer to the date with all affected households and businesses being notified of final designs, expected construction timelines, road closures, tree removals or other disruptions.

When construction commences, there will be some managed noise and road access disruption, which we will communicate to residents and businesses in advance. We will work with you and our contractors to manage any detours, road closures, construction noise and dust in order to minimise disturbance during the construction period wherever possible.