City seeks input into Million Trees Plan

THE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG is inviting community input into its Million Trees Plan, which aims to create a sustainable, liveable and more resilient Geelong by planting more trees over the next 10 years and beyond.

The purpose of the new engagement platform will be to gather data on the communities’ values, preferences and behaviors towards trees being planted in the region in the hope of increasing shade and air quality.

Through the City’s community engagement, data will be delivered on the communities’ priorities around planting trees, while elements and specific locations will be identified as to where the community would like to see trees planted.

Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy encouraged residents across the municipality to contribute to the conversation.

“We’ve long understood the benefits of trees to our everyday lives from filtering clean air and helping curb climate change to creating homes for hundreds of species of birds and animals,” Cr Murrihy said.

“We value the involvement of Greater Geelong residents in this engagement process and welcome their input to ensure that we select the right trees and plant them where they are needed most.”

Cr Belinda Moloney, chair of the Climate Change Action portfolio, also applauded the plan and opportunity for engagement, given the numerous health benefits provided by trees.

“From providing sun protection and improving air quality to promoting increased physical activity and reduced stress, the benefits of trees are many,” Cr Moloney said.

“We know that trees reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, while at the same time reducing energy consumption and costs by providing natural protection from the wind and sun.

“It’s important that as the region’s population grows, we prioritise initiatives such as this and the engagement process will involve the broader Geelong community in shaping the way forward.”

The project is part of a broader Council commitment to achieve 25 per cent tree canopy cover by 2045 across urban Geelong, while delivering Council’s Climate Change Adaption Strategy by reaching net zero emissions community wide by 2035.

Engagements and the opportunity to complete the small survey can be found at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MTP.

The project data will be collated and analysed in September and will shape the City’s future project timeline thereafter.