Michaela Meade
Whittlesea council has resolved to make the city “greener, cooler, [and] more liveable” as part of its new Greening Whittlesea City Forest Strategy (GWS).
The GWS is the council’s first city-wide strategy for the protection, growth and management of trees, with input from community, industry, academic, and business stakeholders.
Infrastructure and environment director Debbie Wood said the strategy allows for a best practice framework for “green assets”.
“The [GWS] outcomes will deliver a healthy, vibrant and sustainable city forest,” Ms Wood said.
“The goal of the strategy is that our residents and our environment benefit from a diverse, colourful and healthy city forest that connects people to people, people to nature and people to their place.
“Council will now have comprehensive tree planting programs, increase canopy cover across streetscapes, town centres, main roads, residential streets, parks waterways and conservation reserves on an annual basis.
“With increased development comes increased pressure on existing green cover, and for potential future green cover.
“The strategy hopes to balance these needs.”
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said: “The strategy really clearly articulates the many benefits in greening our city, such as shade, character, habitat, connected communities, all the health and well being aspects associated with greening, improved mental and physical health, and the cooling effects.”
Ms Wilson said council received over 2000 comments about the GWS.
Administrator Peita Duncan said the GWS was “very important”.
“Greening doesn’t stop at our border,” Ms Duncan said.
“It’s part of this whole family around us, of these other municipalities, and it’s a great opportunity to share information, ideas, and the way forward so that it’s a holistic picture.
“I think that this is a very good opportunity to be very collegiate with our friends in other municipalities.”
