We invite you to comment on the Clarence Valley Council's Urban Tree Strategy Review, now on public exhibition.
The Urban Tree Strategy is an update to the 2011 Tree Management Strategy developed by Council. Since the 2011 Strategy, there have been significant changes in the policy context for urban tree management. These changes include an increased emphasis on tree canopy in NSW and across Australia and a stronger focus on setting tree canopy targets to assess and determine key management actions. This strategy supports the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, adopted in 2023. The Green Infrastructure Strategy identified two key actions for tree canopy in the Valley:
Assessing Council’s existing urban tree canopy cover.
1. Setting targets for urban tree canopy cover.
2. 17% Existing Urban Tree Canopy Cover in the Valley
A key finding of this study is the low urban tree canopy cover across towns and villages in the Valley, averaging 17%. Despite this, there is significant potential to increase canopy coverage, particularly given the relatively low density of development in the area. Wide street verges offer substantial opportunities for planting larger trees that provide good canopy cover.
Increasing Tree Canopy Across the Valley
A primary recommendation in the Urban Tree Strategy is to increase tree canopy cover annually. It is advised to track the number of tree plantings in open spaces and streets undertaken by the Council. Additionally, measuring tree canopy in the Valley will help assess progress towards increasing coverage over time. Consistent with the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, a tree canopy target of 40% for all new residential development areas and 30% for new business and industrial development areas is recommended.
Tree Canopy Cover Improvement Program
To assist in increasing the Council’s tree canopy coverage, a tree canopy cover improvement program is required. This program necessitates adequate funding and resources. Given the finding of relatively low tree canopy cover relative to the density of development, this new program is considered a priority for the Council in both the short and medium term.
Get Involved
We encourage all community members to review the Urban Tree Strategy and provide feedback. Your input is valuable in helping shape the future of our urban tree management.
Submissions close Friday 26 July 2024
Make a submission