Orange City Council is asking residents to share what they value most about the city’s green spaces to help develop an ‘Urban Forest Strategy’ for the local government area.
Council has appointed consultants, Active Green Services, to produce the strategy.
Council’s Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee Chair, David Mallard said Orange’s reputation as the Colour City plays a significant role in attracting tourism, businesses and residents to Orange.
“There is growing community understanding of the importance of trees, the natural environment and open space in the economic, cultural, physical and mental wellbeing of the community,” Cr Mallard said.
Council commissioned a study in 2022 to determine the extent of tree coverage over the region. The Orange urban area was found to have tree coverage of 17.3%, while Lucknow village had coverage of 7% and Spring Hill village had 4.9% tree cover.
Cr Mallard said the next step was to develop a strategy that focused on protecting and enhancing existing green spaces, and where to prioritise the planting of new trees and plants for the greatest benefit.
“The strategy will address elements such as streetscapes, parks and open spaces, tree preservation, biodiversity and habitat, the effects of climate change, reducing air pollution and maximising water sensitive urban design. The draft strategy will include a target for tree coverage,” he said.
“To make sure we get it right, we want as many people as possible to share their opinions to help us shape the plan’s vision, objectives and actions.”
Two face-to-face consultation sessions will be held at the Clover Hill Centre at Orange Botanic Gardens on 31 May.
