The aim is to increase the shire’s urban tree canopy coverage by 15 per cent over the next 10 years by planting an additional 2,400 trees on public land and protecting many ‘remarkable trees’ with aesthetic, historical, commemorative, social and cultural significance.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson said trees play an important role in enhancing the amenity of our towns.
“Trees provide aesthetic, ecological and health benefits, as well as supporting climate change resilience,” Dr Emonson said.
“Council is committed to enhancing the urban tree canopy through the strategic planting of 2400 additional trees on public land between 2025 and 2035, expanding canopy coverage by 15 per cent beyond the existing 16,000 registered trees.
“This will improve urban amenity, protect infrastructure, increase shade coverage, enhance species diversity, and reduce carbon emissions and urban heat through a planned landscape approach.”
Dr Emonson said the development of landscape themes, careful species selection and mapping of existing and future tree canopy cover was required to plan Moira’s future urban landscapes.
It will also ensure protection, maintenance, pruning and removal of existing trees.
Public consultation on the draft Tree Management Policy highlighted how important public trees, especially their removal and replacement, are to the community.
Dr Emonson said there would be opportunities for community input in the planning and selection of tree species during the development of landscape plans.
Moira Shire Council’s Tree Management Policy is available online at www.moira.vic.gov.au.
15°C