VIC
Mildura Rural City Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Urban Forest Strategy.
The Strategy aims to increase the overall tree cover in our urban areas to 30% by 2040, while developing partnerships with landowners and businesses to green the public realm and reduce the heat bank effect.
Councillor for Environmental and Sustainability, Jason Modica said increasing tree canopy in local parks, streets and neighbourhoods will provide much needed shade and shelter from heat.
“This Strategy is also about improving our air and water quality, our region’s health and wellbeing and our resilience to climate change,” Cr Modica said.
“This will be the first time the public will have access to the background findings and Council’s proposed vision, objectives, strategies and actions.
“We want to hear what the public thinks of the targets and actions identified, what we may have missed, and what is important to them in this space.”
Cr Modica said Mildura currently has an overall tree cover of 11%, with the region boasting plenty of space for more trees on public land, in nature strips, central medians, parks and Council-managed land.
“Much of the heat in summer comes from heat banks such as road pavements and car parks without shade,” Cr Modica said.
“We know that we can develop partnerships with private landowners and businesses to green the public realm and reduce the heat bank effect, and we can also work to select species better suited to our local climate.”
Residents can view the Draft Urban Tree Strategy in full at yoursay.mildura.vic.gov.au/UFS and provide feedback before 19 April 2024.
