Our Environment in Merri-bek

Merri-bek has a remarkable diversity of indigenous plants and animals as well as sites with remnant vegetation, especially along our creeks and waterways.

These sites provide critical habitat for many fauna species including reptiles, native birds and possums. They are also sites that are historically and culturally significant to Merri-bek, contributing to the character of our landscape and our sense of place.

You can support a more diverse, connected and resilient natural environment where native birds and animals thrive and where residents explore, value and connect with nature.

Image of a house, trees, and people.

Tree for Me

The Tree for Me program is here to help you plant more trees in homes, schools and retirement communities.

We’re making it easier for people to learn about the benefits of tree planting, which trees to plant where and how to plant and nurture new trees.

Trees support people, nature and place in many ways:

  • Trees cool our neighbourhoods, provide shade and create more comfortable places during hot days.
  • Planting trees supports wellbeing, learning outcomes for children, and stronger community connections.
  • Trees give back by providing food and shelter for people and local wildlife, now and into the future.

Find out more

My Smart Garden

My Smart Garden is a multi-Council sustainable gardening program that helps you to adapt to a changing climate and resource scarcity by turning your outdoor spaces – backyards, front yards, balconies, courtyards or pots – into productive, functional gardens.

The program is free for residents, residents, schools, community groups and businesses and promotes ‘smart gardening’ through workshops, events, online resources, incentives and community connections.

You will receive seasonal gardening tips, advice, invitations to events competitions and more by signing up to the monthly My Smart Garden newsletter

Find out more

Nature programs

Learn about local plants and animals and get involved with Council programs to connect and bring more nature into your life including:

Find out more

Image of waterway surrounded by banks and trees

Help our waterways thrive

Learn about what you can do to help improve our waterways:

Merri Merri – Learn about First Nations and their special connection to the Merri Creek

Raingardens – Design and build your raingarden to help protect waterways

Rainwater tank – Save water and install a rainwater tank to water your garden or use for toilets

Porous paving – Redoing your driveway? Consider porous or permeable paving to help the ground absorb water instead of running off to drains and contributing to flooding.