AFTER council green lit the Horsham Rural City's tree coverage strategy during the September council meeting, residents are invited to give their feedback.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A new draft policy for Greening Greater Horsham will help to safeguard significant trees and grow Horsham's canopy coverage to improve livability of the city and its surrounding areas.
During the September meeting, there was some concerns about using the best type of trees for biodiversity as well as where the trees would be located.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Horsham and Haven's combined urban tree canopy cover in 2020 was 13 per cent which is low compared to other regional Victorian cities.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"The results are not unexpected given the predominant agricultural land use of the area," she said.
"That's why we are planning for a greener, shadier city," Cr Gulline said.
Council proposes to commit to the following by 2040:
- Tree canopy cover over our urban and rural road reserves will be increased from 20 per cent to 25 per cent
- Tree canopy cover over the urban area of Horsham (inclusive of private land) will be increased from 15.3 per cent to 20 per cent
- Tree canopy cover over the public areas of the Central Activity District will be increased from 9.9 per cent to 15 per cent
- Tree canopy cover over parklands will be increased from 16 per cent to 25 per cent
The strategy emphasises that providing the right trees in the right location was the best way to increase canopy cover.
"Trees in the right places reduce the impact of heat on our streets and provide shade so it is more comfortable for people to walk or be active in hotter months," she said.
"People spend more time in shopping areas that are well treed and landscaped which benefits retail businesses. Well planned and landscaped streets also increase house prices and reduce energy use in buildings.
"Urban trees also improve the livability of our city and they are a cost effective and efficient way to adapt to climate change."
Greening Greater Horsham also addresses themes such as protecting culturally and historically significant trees and ensuring tree management programs are best practice.
A survey examining the strategy's themes closes Wednesday, November 24 at 5pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.mailtimes.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Wim_Mail_Times
- Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/wimmeramailtimes/
Alison Foletta
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
