The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with not-for-profit design practice OFFICE, has identified underutilised green corridors across Greater Melbourne that have the capacity to be transformed into biodiverse habitats and green public spaces.
Researchers from the University, together with industry colleagues from OFFICE, recently completed stage one of the Melbourne Biodiversity Networks project, supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
The team hopes the research can be used to help address the recommendations outlined in the Parliamentary Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline in Victoria, while enhancing climate, public health and urban planning outcomes.
In addition to boosting biodiversity, co-researcher Professor Dan Hill from the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, said green spaces significantly contribute to climate resilience and human wellbeing.
“These biodiversity networks could simultaneously address three of the largest shared systemic challenges we face: climate, public health, and social justice. Beyond the positive environmental impacts, it is well documented that access to quality green open spaces supports health and wellbeing,” Professor Hill said.
