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Community to feedback wanted on Urban Forest Strategy for Bass Coast Shire

Bass Coast Shire Council is developing an Urban Forest Strategy, to help ensure Bass Coast's 'urban forest' continues to thrive.

By news@gippsland - 16th May 2022 - Back to News

Urban forests are made up of all trees and vegetation in an urban area. They include street trees and other vegetation on nature strips, in parks and open space, as well as in backyards, along waterways, in industrial areas and in conservation areas.

Council encourages the community in shaping urban forest approach by completing the survey for individuals or downloading the community groups and organisations submission form

Beneficial to the community

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said that urban forests provide a great deal of benefits to the environment and the local economy. "Urban forests help cool our townships during summer, clean up air pollution, support biodiversity, reduce stormwater runoff, boost the economy, support social cohesion and connection to the country. In short, our urban forests are great for health and wellbeing," Cr Whelan said.

"Growing and maintaining a healthy urban forest also captures and stores carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. There's even research to suggest that people who live around trees are less violent and experience less mental fatigue."

And importantly, trees and green spaces are highly valued for their beauty, by both locals and visitors alike. "This Strategy will drive improvements to help ensure we grow a healthy, green and resilient urban forest, that is well managed and protected and provides maximum benefits to our community," Cr Whelan said.

Survey is now open

Cr Whelan said, "Everyone can help grow our urban forest and enjoy the many benefits that trees and vegetation provide. We encourage you to contribute to shaping this Strategy, by completing the survey at Shaping our urban forest approach. You can also 'follow' the project, to receive updates when they occur," Cr Whelan concluded.

The urban areas to be covered include:

• The Gurdies, Pioneer Bay, Grantville and Tenby Point
• Corinella, Coronet Bay, Bass and San Remo
• Newhaven, Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach and Sunderland Bay
• Smiths Beach, Sunset Strip, Wimbledon Heights and Rhyll
• Silverleaves, Cowes, Ventnor and Kilcunda
• Dalyston, Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson and Inverloch

The survey is open until Sunday, 29 May. There will be additional opportunities to contribute through community group submissions and a community workshop in coming months.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com