Cool It Birchip
In the small Mallee town of Birchip, they’ve planted trees – 170 at last count – to ramp up the shade and cool down the streets in readiness for a warmer, drier climate ahead.
Local not-for-profit Birchip Community Forum has led the project, selecting mature trees for their suitability to climate and location, but also with a respectful nod to Birchip’s sporting heritage.
The all-native species, including dwarf lemon scented gum and pin cushion hakea, also bear red and white flowers – the old Birchip Swan’s colours. Birchip Community Forum’s Brendan Beasley says the treeplanting drive has helped year 4 and 5 students from Birchip P-12 School learn about the changing climate, but also build their understanding on ways to respond: “The trees are an investment in our future and make the town a more inviting place to live and visit, showing that education and action can improve our capacity to adapt to climate change.”
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.