There will be no net loss of car parking within the project area.

We have consulted with our Transport Engineering team and engaged an independent arborist to ensure feasibility in reconfiguring all car parking places.

Car parking is indicated on the Greening Proposal.

As part of the community engagement process, Council is seeking feedback as to whether additional car parking would be supported to provide additional green space.

If the community is supportive there is the ability to update the design to include additional open space, this could be accommodated in the north western section of Roden Street.

The Callistemons indicated in the Greening Proposal for removal, have been assessed and identified by an independent arborist as having low retention value due to sustained and ongoing Saw Fly larvae damage.

Although treatment can be undertaken for any existing Saw Fly larvae, unfortunately the Callistemons proposed for removal have had irreparable structural damage by Saw Fly and ongoing treatment will not this fix this impairment and will continue to affect the health and longevity of these trees.

The proposed removal of the Callistemons will allow increased and improved growing conditions, to support the growth of a thriving and healthy tree community.

Read the tree removal for pest and disease fact sheet (PDF 291 KB)

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.

Our Urban Forestry team have worked closely with the community and key stakeholders to generate these plans to provide 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 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 for North and West Melbourne Urban Forest Precinct Plan is that it 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.

If the community is supportive of the greening proposal for Roden Street we will provide the community with an updated final greening plan in late 2023 that will incorporate the feedback provided by the community.

Construction will be scheduled for mid 2024.

Once a final design is approved, and roadworks begin, there will be some managed noise and 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.