The
City of Greater Geelong has once again been designated a Tree City of the World
for a third consecutive year, recognised by the Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations.
In
2024, a total of 210 cities across 24 countries were designated as Tree Cities
of the World.
Geelong
is one of eleven Australian cities recognised, alongside Burnside, Canberra,
Canning, Marion, Mitcham, Onkaparinga, Perth, Tea Tree Gully, Unley, and
Victoria Park.
To
earn this international recognition, cities must meet five core standards:
establishing responsibility for the city’s trees, setting tree management
policy, having an updated tree inventory, dedicating an annual budget for tree
management, and holding an annual tree celebration.
The
City manages over 180,000 urban trees - including over 119,000 in streets and
45,000 in parks - across 393 different species, and is committed to
significantly increasing tree numbers in the coming budget.
Geelong’s
trees are an important part of our landscape, providing great value to our
community through helping shape the city’s character and liveability.
They
help cool and shade the city during hot weather, support biodiversity, reduce
stormwater run-off into rivers and Corio Bay, absorb air pollution and
contribute to achieving net zero emissions targets — all while enhancing the
aesthetic and cultural value of the region.
Every
year, Geelong’s street trees absorb 73 tonnes of air pollution and help manage
stormwater volumes equivalent to four Olympic swimming pools.Among
the most valuable species in Geelong’s urban forest are the Melaleuca and
Yellow Gum, due to their size and broad canopy coverage.
Greater
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Geelong
is known for its iconic trees, particularly within the Geelong Botanic Gardens
and along the waterfront.
Our
trees are much more than part of the scenery – they enhance the quality of life
for our residents and are part of our unique identity.
Being
named a Tree City of the World for the third year shows our commitment to
protect and care for our natural environment.
Councillor
Elise Wilkinson, chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio
Geelong’s
trees are such a big part of who we are – they help shape the character of our
region and connect us to our past.
They’ve
held deep cultural significance for the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for
generations, providing everything from food and materials to being part of
important cultural practices.
Our
urban forest supports local wildlife, boosts biodiversity, and offers so much
to our community. We need to make sure it’s protected for the future.
For
more information on the City’s urban forest visit the City of Greater Geelong's Data Exchange.