Developing an Urban Forest Strategy

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. The draft strategy will now be reviewed in line with all input received and a report prepared for Council.

Urban forest: the sum of all urban trees including those on public and private land.

Council is seeking community feedback on its vision to ensure a greener Maribyrnong.

Our urban forest is a critical part of the health and livability of our City. Council has drafted an Urban Forest Strategy to plan and manage the City's vegetation, trees and plants to ensure they are sustainable and to maximise social, environmental and economic benefits.

Did you know trees do more than just provide shade and reduce pollution? Here are some of the lesser known benefits of trees:

• Improved mental health from exposure to natural environments and lower levels of stress and anxiety.

• Improved real and perceived community safety in public areas.

• Safer streets as uniform, avenue like plantings along streets encourage motorists to drive slower.

• Improved retail activity by up to 20%. Shoppers spend longer and more money in retail areas that are well treed and landscaped.

We are now seeking community feedback on the proposed vision, objectives and actions outlined in the Draft Urban Forest Strategy. We are keen to access your knowledge and passion for your community and its ecological health to support our aim to be a city that is leafy, cool and inviting.

In other news, do you have a favourite or special tree within our City? Nominations are now open for Council’s Significant Tree Register.