Geelong seeks to join UN-backed city tree network

GEELONG is seeking to become the first city in Victoria to earn United Nations recognition as a “tree city of the world”.

The City of Greater Geelong will apply for inclusion in the joint initiative from US-based non-profit the Arbor Foundation and the UN’s food and agriculture organisation to become part of the program following a unanimous vote from councillors at their meeting on Tuesday this week.

Program managers say Trees of the World “represents the first step toward achieving a green vision for your city”, and compels participants to establish conservation rules, allocate resources and keep track of its achievements.

Specific action outlines in the program include designating a person, department or group of citizens responsible for care of trees, a dedicated annual budget for management plans and an “annual celebration of trees”, aimed at raising awareness and acknowledging people involved in the plan.

A council report for this week’s meeting indicated that the recognition would raise the profile of the city’s “commitment to a cool, green city”, would fit in with its existing Urban Forest Strategy and enable it to join an international network of like-minded municipalities.

Cr Jim Mason, chair of the council’s environment portfolio, said inclusion in the program would build on existing city strategies aimed at improving Geelong’s livability.

“This initiative will certainly enable the city to strengthen partnerships with other greening agencies and like-minded organisations.

“Joining the program will support the city’s sustainability initiatives, importance of trees and the important biodiversity outcomes they help deliver, and the commitment to ensure Geelong is liveable and an environmentally-friendly city, in accordance with global norms.”

Cr Anthony Aitken said he was excited by the initiative, which he expected other Victorian cities such as Melbourne would follow.

“It’s good that Geelong, as the second city, gets one up on the big city up the road.

“It will continue the strategic framework that Geelong cares about trees, it’s committed to planting and increasing the canopy that we’ve got through our Urban Forest Strategy, and it entrenches the council’s commitments.”

Cr Kylie Gryzbek backed the idea but said she wanted it to have concrete outcomes and be part of the city’s normal budgeting process.

“I don’t like to just apply for things like this and let them fall away, I want to make sure we’re engaging and doing the things we said we’d do.”

Community members present at this week’s meeting supported the plan but indicated it should be the prompt for escalating the city’s actions and resources in relation to its forest strategies.