Work to cool Gannawarra's towns continues

Published on 06 February 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council is building on work developed as part of its participation in the Cool It project in 2018.   One of nine councils across Victoria to take part in the Central Victoria Greenhouse Alliance and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning-supported project, residents across the Gannawarra are already benefiting from the project.   “As part of the work completed in late 2018, heat mapping reports have been compiled for the seven major towns located within the Gannawarra. These include Cohuna, Kerang, Koondrook, Lalbert, Leitchville, Murrabit and Quambatook,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.   “These maps enable Council to instantly prioritise areas for cooling interventions by implementing tree planting and maintenance programs throughout streets and parks in these seven towns, as well as where to plant trees to create naturally shaded walkways and cycleways.”   Locations where tree plantings have already occurred include the pathways to the Kerang Railway Station and Kerang Senior Citizens Clubrooms, as well as the Lyall Avenue park in Kerang.   Future plantings are planned for Dunlop Street, Kerang and locations throughout Leitchville in autumn 2020.   “Planting trees in our urban areas not only beautify these spaces, they also provide much needed shade for residents and visitors,” Mayor Learmonth said.

ABOVE: Following on from Gannawarra Shire Council's participation in the Cool It project in 2018, trees have been planted near the Kerang Railway Station and Senior Citizens Clubrooms.