Benjamin Millar
Plans for an ‘urban forest’ across Hobsons Bay are gathering pace with a planting blitz soon to get underway.
As part of the council’s Urban Forest Strategy, the community is being invited to ‘plant’ a virtual tree on a website so let the council know where they would like to see a real one.
The draft Urban Canopy Delivery Plan, which maps out trees to be planted over the next 10 years, prioritises areas that currently have a minimal tree canopy, are vulnerable to heat and have high pedestrian activity.
High priority suburbs include Altona Meadows, Laverton, Seabrook, Altona North and Brooklyn, with key areas to be targeted including around schools, parks, playgrounds, kindergartens and libraries.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said the draft plan is the next step to bring the Urban Forest Strategy to life.
“Through last year’s Urban Forest Strategy consultation, we know Hobsons Bay values trees and sees the benefits – improved air quality, reduced ground temperature, enhanced liveability and more shade on buildings and open spaces,” he said.
“Not all trees are equal, and the right trees for each street, park, reserve and private property will do wonders for our streetscapes, bringing economic benefits, creating wildlife corridors and cooling our streets.”
Cr Marsden said the plan ensures the right trees are going in the ground where they are needed the most to provide the best return on investment.
“It is crucial that we all work together to build our urban forest and achieve our target of 30 per cent tree canopy by 2040,” he said.
“Tell us where we should prioritise planting on Council land, identify private and industrial land that need extra greenery and plant a free tree on your property.”
Online webinars with industry experts will be held 6-7.30pm Monday, October 25 and 10-11.30am Wednesday, November 3.
People can also request a tree the council will deliver for residents to plant on their own property, and identify areas on private land where the council can partner with local landowners, businesses, and organisations to add extra greenery.
Feedback closes November 24 via participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/urban-forest-strategy
