More than 60,000 trees planted across the city since 2021
Frankston City Council has marked a major milestone in its long-term greening initiative, planting the final tree of the 2024/25 season under its ambitious Urban Forest Action Plan.
Since launching the plan in 2021, Council has planted more than 60,000 trees across the municipality—from nature reserves and streetscapes to schools and public parks—in an effort to increase canopy coverage, combat urban heat and enhance the city’s climate resilience.
Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy planted the final tree this week—a vibrant Golden Elm—at Beauty Park in Frankston. The occasion marked the culmination of a significant phase in Council’s broader strategy to develop a shadier, greener and more liveable city.
“Every tree we plant is a long-term investment in the health and liveability of our city,” Cr Conroy said.
“This Golden Elm is symbolic of how far we’ve come and our commitment to a greener Frankston for future generations.”
Golden Elms (Ulmus glabra) are known for their broad canopies, fast-growing shade, and bright yellow autumn foliage, making them ideal for enhancing public spaces and cooling the urban environment.
Since the Urban Forest Action Plan was adopted, Council has planted a total of 60,125 trees across various sites, including:
- 25,255 in bushland and natural reserves
- 13,816 as street trees
- 11,609 in parks and open spaces
- 4,965 as part of capital works projects
- 4,580 planted in collaboration with local schools and during National Tree Day
This year alone, Council planted more than 5,650 trees across Frankston City, including:
- 2,200 new street trees
- 1,700 in natural reserves
- 1,400 in parks and sports grounds
- 350 in prominent locations such as George Pentland Gardens, Ballam Park Homestead and the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Arboretum
The Urban Forest Action Plan sets bold targets aimed at improving biodiversity, reducing ambient temperatures, and increasing the overall resilience of the city’s natural and built environments. The initiative is designed to provide long-term environmental and public health benefits for Frankston residents.
Frankston City Council’s greening efforts continue to play a key role in shaping a sustainable and liveable future, with community partnerships and seasonal planting to remain a focus in the years ahead.
