The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed today’s State Government announcement that they will develop a new ‘Urban Greening Strategy’ in collaboration with key stakeholders as a win for the environment and for communities across Perth and Peel.
“A more coordinated approach to increasing our urban tree canopy in both existing and new areas is welcomed by industry who support a more consistent approach to planning and environmental requirements and outcomes,” UDIA WA Executive Director Strategy & Policy Sarah Macaulay said.
“Where possible, the retention of established trees and planting of new ones is an important aspect of streetscape design for liveable communities, providing a range of benefits to local communities, as well as the environment and climate,” Ms Macaulay said.
“Developers are generally keen to retain trees where they can, not least given their aesthetic value and appeal to buyers,” Ms Macaulay said.
“Many developers are also committed to rehabilitating degraded vegetation areas to introduce more trees and other flora and fauna where the opportunity is present.”
“While the commitment to retain trees where possible is certainly a priority, it is important to understand that there can be challenges with doing this on some sites,” Ms Macaulay advised.
UDIA WA hopes that the new State led strategy will assist in addressing some of the current challenges, through greater collaboration between infrastructure providers, local government, and private landowners.
“For example, when designing new areas there are a range of factors and competing demands for space that need to be considered including essential infrastructure and services, road and footpath widths and parking requirements just to name a few,” Ms Macaulay said.
“A strategic approach can help to coordinate all those factors to come up with shared solutions, such as trenching of infrastructure to create more space for trees, and to ultimately achieve better environmental and climate outcomes.”
Community education and awareness raising, particularly in established areas, is also important in relation to the benefits of retaining and replanting trees on private land according to UDIA WA.
“There are many examples of battle axe lots and duplex and triplex blocks delivered by private landowners and smaller developers on infill sites that have led to the loss of tree canopy in established areas,” Ms Macaulay said.
While street trees are a key component of urban greening, Ms Macaulay highlights other opportunities such as conserving larger tracts of pristine bushland in certain locations, which could have very positive outcomes for the environment.
“These areas need to be clearly defined and agreed strategically so there is certainty about conservation areas in the longer term,” Ms Macaulay said.
“Together, we can improve urban greening across the Perth and Peel region, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the State Government and other relevant stakeholders on a new Urban Greening Strategy for Perth and Peel.”
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Contact:
UDIA WA
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au