‘Change has only become more urgent’: State Library to unveil 300kg environmental sculpture
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04.04.2022

‘Change has only become more urgent’: State Library to unveil 300kg environmental sculpture

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Words by Lucas Radbourne

Money can grow on trees is the message coming out of Greening Australia on the organisation's 40th birthday, as they launch the Money Tree sculpture at the State Library.

The Money Tree art installation is a 300 kilogram sculpture, designed by Victorian artist Michael Moerkerk, which stands at 3.5 metres tall and combines local recycled materials including bushfire-rescued timber, thousands of coins, and keys.

Among the branches of the tree, viewers will see some of the many iconic Australian animals that Greening Australia – a national environmental not-for-profit – is helping to protect, including a Greater Glider and a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. It won’t be permanent, standing in the State Library of Victoria’s Forecourt Central from 5-11 April 2022.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

It’s part of a national campaign between Greening Australia and Bank Australia to raise public awareness of the value of nature and the cost of inaction. According to the UN, for every dollar spent on environmental restoration at least nine dollars of economic benefit can be expected. This is particularly relevant after a report by Deloitte Access Economics estimated that natural disasters currently cost the Australian economy about $38 billion a year – a bill set to double by 2060.

To coincide with the launch of the Money Tree art installation, Greening Australia is also releasing a supporting White Paper titled Valuing Nature: Climate Action and the Economy, produced in collaboration with nine leading Australian and global experts. Moerkerk created 40 branches of the tree, one to represent each year of Greening Australia’s history.

“As someone who values nature and has seen first-hand the devastating effects of climate change, living among drought and bushfire-affected communities, I am incredibly honoured to have helped Greening Australia and Bank Australia bring the Money Tree to life in such an iconic and central Melbourne location,” said Moerkerk.

“By blending the stump of a reclaimed red gum and harmoniously intertwining it with recycled coins, the tree represents the connection between the environment and the economy. I hope it will inspire others to recognise the value of investing in restoring and protecting nature.”

“Greening Australia was born in 1982 out of a need for change, and that need for change has only become more urgent in 2022,” added Greening Australia CEO Ian Rollins.

“People say money doesn’t grow on trees, but with the Money Tree we’re aiming to show that nature-based solutions are the key to benefitting not just the environment, but our economies and communities as well. We’re looking forward to continuing to challenge what is possible, delivering impactful solutions on the ground as we work towards building a robust, nature-based economy, alongside our wide range of partners and supporters including businesses, landholders, governments, donors, local communities, First Nations communities and other environmental organisations.”

Since their foundation in the 80s, Greening Australia has planted over 100 million trees and plants. By 2030, it wants to have established 500 million native plants. Visitors to the Money Tree will also be able to scan a QR code that will allow them to order a free Golden Everlasting Daisy seed packet to grow at home.

For more information on Greening Australia’s 40th anniversary campaign, visit the website here.