Tree removal a sad sight

As the summer months approach and we near the end of 2025, there has been plenty happening around Hobsons Bay. 

It has been sad to see works continue at the Champion Road level crossing removal, with tree removals having recently taken place. 

These trees had been part of Newport streetscape for years, some for decades. It was disheartening to see them felled as part of this project our community continues to voice opposition to. 

The state government has promised it will plant 145 large trees and more than 35,000 plants, shrubs and grasses throughout the area, so I am hopeful we will see some regeneration in the area. 

Tree canopy cover is already a serious issue in the western suburbs, and removing well-established trees obviously does not help the cause. 

Council has been working for many years on its urban forest strategy, with the aim of increasing canopy cover from just 6 per cent in 2018 to 30 per cent by 2040. 

Having more trees helps to absorb heat, making our neighbourhoods cooler, cleaner and healthier, and provides much-needed shade, meaning people can spend more time being active in the summer months. 

Finally, a special mention for Council’s Make it Happen grants program.  

Over the weekend, groups from across Hobsons Bay came together to share in the successes the grants program has given them. 

Council provided more than $500,000 in grant funding to support the work of 75 groups and organisations this year.  

That money goes to great use, with an estimated 1,240 community volunteers donating more than 20,000 hours of their time to deliver those grant-funded projects.  

And the projects will be enjoyed by more than 41,000 people, including residents and visitors. It is a truly wide-reaching program. 

You don’t have to wait too long to get involved in the program, with the next round of grants opening in early February next year. 

Cr Columns are published in the Star Weekly newspaper every fortnight.