Cool It!
To stay cool in a hotter, drier future climate, we’re going to need a lot more shade from trees that can take the heat. Right now, many towns in our region are vulnerable to increasing daytime heat due to low levels of tree canopy cover in their streets, parks and gardens.
Luckily, the great greening has begun, thanks to the Cool It project, which has planted several hundred climate-resilient trees in the most heat-vulnerable streetscapes in towns throughout the Mallee, Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe.
The project – delivered by Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance in partnership with local councils – has also completed heat vulnerability maps for Hepburn, Macedon and Mount Alexander shires to inform future tree planting projects, and a recommended tree-planting guide featuring 100 climate-resilient species. Historically, streetscapes and parks have been designed largely based on aesthetics and amenity. This project has helped councils understand the critical link between climate change adaptation and their tree assets.
Objectives
We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices. We are committed to enabling self-determination for all Aboriginal people and aim to work closely with the Aboriginal community to drive action and improve outcomes especially in the context of a changing climate.