Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (17:22): (1444) The action I seek is for the Minister for Environment to provide an update on current and upcoming work under Greening the West that specifically supports communities in Melbourne’s west, including tree-planting, shade infrastructure and park improvements, and how the voices of young people can continue to be incorporated into future environmental planning. Earlier this week I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Australian International Academy in Caroline Springs, better known as AIA, which is in my electorate of Kororoit. I met with students to talk about governance, community planning and the issues that matter to them. During our discussion the students shared thoughtful ideas about how we can build more livable and sustainable communities. A strong and consistent theme for the students was their absolute desire to see more green space in the community – more trees, more shade, more parks and of course more playgrounds. They spoke passionately about wanting greener streets and healthier outdoor environments not just for themselves but of course for future generations. Their views reflect what I am hearing across the western suburbs. That is why I am proud of the Victorian government’s Greening the West initiative, which includes doubling tree canopy cover in the west by 2050 and ensuring that all residents have access to quality green space within 500 metres of their homes. Our young people, especially from AIA Caroline Springs, have made it clear they want a greener, healthier future. I hope that the minister can help ensure that their voices, including those of the students at AIA, continue to shape our environmental planning.