A Greener West – and not just for the elephants

Greater Western Water staff got their hands dirty last week, planting trees at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

It’s all part of our commitment to growing the western region’s tree canopy cover, which is the lowest in Melbourne.

That’s why the Victorian Government has funded the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West initiative, of which Greater Western Water is an enthusiastic partner, alongside Melbourne Water, six local councils, Parks Victoria and Victoria University.

The goal is to plant an extra 180,000 tress across western suburbs to create a more livable, healthier environment for communities and wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, 14,500 of those trees are earmarked for planting at the Werribee Open Range Zoo as part of an expansion project, building a new Waterhole Trail and elephant habitat.

So, on Wednesday 29 August, our staff rolled up their sleeves and planted a biodiverse range of tubestock.

Greater Western Water staff at the Werribee Open Range Zoo tree planting day.

Greater Western Water has a strong relationship with the Zoo. We’re currently building a dedicated pipeline direct from the Werribee Recycled Water Plant. That pipe, which will travel underneath the Werribee River, will allow the Zoo to use more recycled water, reducing the amount of fresh water taken it needs to use. That will make the whole region more sustainable, setting it up well as it grows.

More trees using sustainable water sources? It’s all part of our commitment to Thriving People and Country.