The River Red Gum – 'Australia’s Favourite Tree'
Greater Dandenong is home to many river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) which were recently voted Australia’s favourite tree. These wonderful trees have been known to live for up to 1000 years and provide a range of interconnected cultural, environmental, social, and economic benefits for the community. In Greater Dandenong river red gums are often found along waterways, parks and open spaces where they provide crucial shade, filter air pollution and water. River red gums form natural hollows that provide essential habitat for our local wildlife, including marsupials such as the Krefft’s glider (Petaurus notatus), various insects and birds such as the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) and the critically endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolor). These hollows can take more than 100 years to form and are fundamental to the biodiversity values and ecosystem functions of Greater Dandenong.
Help us protect trees in Greater Dandenong
River red gums and all other native trees are protected under Federal and State legislation including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Amendment Act 2019 and Environment Protection Act 2017. It is illegal to intentionally harm or remove any part of a native tree.
The destruction of trees costs Council and ratepayers money and is a serious offence which can result in fines and criminal convictions.
If you see trees being vandalised in Greater Dandenong or have any information, please contact us via phone 8571 1000 or email council@cgd.vic.gov.au.
