Communities in Melbourne’s west will soon benefit from almost a million new trees, shrubs, plants and native grasses with landscaping work now underway as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
It’s one of the largest landscaping projects ever undertaken in the inner west and will help improve access to green spaces for thousands more local families to enjoy.
Over 145,000 sqm of grasses and 250,000 sqm of mulched beds are being planted, along with new waterways to help support the extensive planting works.
Landscaping experts, Ecodynamics, were awarded a $10 million M contract to deliver the works in the West Gate Freeway area from Williamstown Road to Kororoit Creek and Hyde Street, and along the M80 Interchange.
The project is helping to deliver new apprenticeships for female workers, Aboriginal Victorians, mature aged and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people at the start of their careers.
Opportunities will also be created for young people impacted by the youth justice system thanks to a partnership with a social enterprise helping to improve outcomes for young Victorians.
Most of the trees planted as part of the contract come from seeds collected from trees in the area and grown over the past four years at a local nursery in Keilor East.
When complete, the West Gate Tunnel Project will provide over 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, nearly 9 hectares of new open space, and enhanced waterways and wetlands.
- 750,000 native plants for Melbourne’s west as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project
- $10 million contract awarded to EcoDynamics, delivering new apprenticeships for female workers, Aboriginal Victorians, mature aged, linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people impacted by the youth justice system
- Nearly 9 hectares of new open space
- Enhances waterways and wetlands
