More trees across the shire

COUNCILLORS have endorsed the shire’s Urban Forest Strategy which has a target of 40 per cent canopy coverage by 2040. 

Urban forests are made up of all trees and vegetation in an urban area, including street trees, nature strips, parks, open space as well as backyards, industrial areas and conservation sites.

Targets as part of the strategy include:

No net loss of vegetation on private residential land and ensure a minimum of 25 per cent canopy coverage across all townships by 2040

Vacant street tree planting sites will be reduced by planting 1500 trees per year 

Urban Forest cover will be increased in townships across all land tenures, to reach an average of 40 per cent by 2040

All residential planning applications are assessed for their capacity to improve tree canopy cover

Planting of species that adapt well to the area’s changeable climate, particularly native and indigenous vegetation, will be prioritised.

In addition, Council will compile a detailed tree inventory and continue to support tree protection measures. 

A Street and Park Tree Protection and Removal Policy is also being developed.

According to the strategy, urban forest coverage over the shire’s five biggest townships measures an average of 25 per cent. 

This varies between land tenure type. 

Urban Forest coverage over public realm (shade over streets, parks, and foreshores) is at 30 per cent. 

Over the private realm, (private residential land, commercial and industrial land), there is a lower cover of 21 percent.

A desktop analysis using aerial imagery of townships has identified a number of potential vacant street tree planting sites to provide an indication of the scale of future tree planting programs. 

Each site has yet to be assessed on ground for potential conflicts and suitability, particularly for species selection and soil 
preparation. 

This validation work will be necessary before any trees can be planted. 

Approximately 8500 potential vacant street tree sites have been identified across the five largest townships.

Speaking at last week’s council meeting, Cr Clare Le Serve said tree planting should start sooner rather than later.

She highlighted that council needs to make a ‘continuing budget commitment’ in forward budgets so actions in the strategy are addressed.

Cr David Rooks also echoed Cr Le Serve’s comments, stating that “unfortunately (it is) not listed much at all in the current draft budget.”