The Cairnlea development in Melbourne's western suburbs is a textbook case for Labor's contempt for a community which Labor has taken for granted.
Local residents have been advocating to keep the 500 established trees which are planned for removal, trees which were planted in the early stages of the development by the same government who wants to remove them.
Following the Liberals and Nationals announcement of increasing Melbourne's tree canopy coverage from 15% to 35% by 2050, a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will commit to planting 10,000 trees within the development and its surrounds, as well as retaining the 500 across the site.
Tree canopies, as living infrastructure, deliver many social and environmental benefits, including reducing urban temperatures, supporting biodiversity and ecosystems, providing shade and cooling, and promoting physical activity.
Shadow Minister for Planning, Ryan Smith, said this was a perfect example of not listening to the community, and not delivering on promises.
"Residents moving into these new estates deserve the same services as those in established areas. Residents deserve the amenity promised to them all those years ago."
"A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government is listening to families in the Western suburbs and will deliver more trees and a more liveable environment."
Liberal Candidate for St Albans, Maria Kerr, the Liberals and Nationals' plan was a real solution to support cooler, safer and more liveable local communities.
"This government's complete disregard for the people of Cairnlea is insulting. It's a disgrace that years after the promise of greenery, residents face the prospect of a concrete jungle after losing what they little greenery they have."
"I'm proud to stand here today with the promise of planting 10,000 trees for the area so that residents will receive what was promised to them and more."
