Shire sets 10-year target to grow local tree canopy

THE Surf Coast Shire is planning to plant more than 8,000 new trees over the next decade as part of an ambitious strategy to lower street temperatures and enhance town character.

Under the newly released draft implementation plan, the council intends to lift the overall tree canopy cover across the shire’s urban townships from 28.9 per cent to 32 per cent by 2036.

The 10-year vision will dictate exactly how and where an estimated 8,340 street, park and open-space trees will be introduced to public land.

Rather than a blanket approach, the plan relies on a place-based strategy designed to ensure new trees respects the unique environmental and aesthetic conditions of individual regional townships.

Early phases of the broader project have already seen the council partner with grassroots community networks, including recent collaborations with local streetscaping volunteers and primary school students to establish new foliage in Winchelsea and Deans Marsh.

Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said public feedback will play an integral role in finalising the investment strategy, design principles and target areas.

“We’re investing in planting trees on public land because of the many benefits they bring to our environment and our community,” Cr Schonfelder said.

“This plan will guide our planting efforts over the next decade, so it’s important we hear from the community.”

Residents are invited to review the plan’s draft objectives and complete a short survey before 15 June. Head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/branching-out