Urban Forest Strategy
Council adopted the Maribyrnong Urban Forest Strategy in 2018.
The Strategy plans to increase our canopy cover to 20% by 2040. Council will use a variety of suitable trees and plants to benefit our community.
There are seven objectives for our urban forest:
- Increase tree canopy on public land
- Adapt to climate change and maximise environmental outcomes
- Raise awareness and improve advocacy
- Improve outcomes for trees on private land
- Maximise community health and wellbeing outcomes
- Support and enhance our local biodiversity
- Streamline Council's processes and monitor progress
Trees are important for our community
Trees do more than just providing shade and better air quality. Tree cover and green spaces have been linked with:
- Improved mental health and lower levels of stress and anxiety.
- Improved community safety in public areas.
- Slower, safer streets - 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 landscaped.