CAPEL Sound and Somerville are looking a little greener, thanks to the planting of 180 trees across the two communities. The Mornington Peninsula Shire coordinated effort is part of its Urban Forest Strategy; aimed at improving tree canopy and providing more shade, biodiversity, and neighbourhood liveability.
In Somerville, about 80 trees have found a new home on Jones Rd where a passive irrigation system is being trialled using stormwater. A further 100 trees have been planted along Broadway in Capel Sound as part of the recent road and footpath upgrade project. The shire said Capel Sound and Somerville were identified as “high-priority townships” under the strategy due to their lower canopy cover and greater need for shade and greenery.
Another 2000 trees will be planted across townships and reserves through the shire’s tree management program by the end of June. This includes 1000 juvenile trees along residential streets, responding to the community’s priorities, and neighbourhoods with limited shade. One thousand tube stock trees will go in key reserves, based on their need for extra vegetation and biodiversity support.
The Urban Forest Strategy, adopted last September following community consultation, sets an ambitious goal of creating canopy shade for 45 per cent of all streets and parks by 2034.
First published in the Mornington News – 1 July 2025
