THE City of Greater Geelong is taking steps to enhance tree protection on private property, following discussions on how to bolster urban greenery.<\/p>\n
In response to a notice of motion from the council in July 2022, the city reviewed five regulatory options to strengthen tree conservation.<\/p>\n
This review involved consultations with several Victorian councils, the Department of Transport and Planning, the Country Fire Authority, Barwon Water, and independent arborists.<\/p>\n
Due to the critical importance of trees, the city has opted to bring the community and key organisations into the discussion.<\/p>\n
The city will also reach out to the Minister for Planning and the Municipal Association of Victoria, advocating for a unified statewide strategy to safeguard trees in urban private lands.<\/p>\n
Despite receiving advice that a localised planning scheme might face challenges, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan expressed enthusiasm for community consultation.<\/p>\n
“The city will open up consultation with community organisations and the broader community to discuss the issue,” Cr Sullivan said.<\/p>\n
“Trees enhance the beauty of our region, improve the community’s physical and mental health, and reduce the urban heat island effect and climate change impacts.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to hearing from community members about how we can better protect trees in urban environments.<\/p>\n
“This is also an opportunity to show our support as the state considers methods to strengthen tree protection on private land throughout Victoria.”<\/p>\n
Cr Jim Mason highlighted the lack of a consistent statewide policy on tree protection.<\/p>\n
“We believe a balance can be found between reducing regulation in the housing sector to stimulate development while increasing tree canopy to address increasing heat in urban environments,” Cr Mason said.<\/p>\n
He urged the community to participate in coming discussions on the City’s engagement platform, yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au<\/p>\n
“The City will also consider opportunities to strengthen planning policy as part of the local planning policy framework review,”\u00a0Cr Mason said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Greater Geelong is taking steps to enhance tree protection on private property, following discussions on how to bolster urban greenery. In response to a notice of motion from the council in July 2022, the city reviewed five regulatory options to strengthen tree conservation. This review involved consultations with several Victorian councils, the […]<\/p>\n