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Poppet Head Lookout, Gaol Road, Bendigo VIC, Australia

A draft of a new 50-year strategy to increase urban shade and protect significant, heritage trees has been recommended to City of Greater Bendigo councilors. ‘Greening Greater Bendigo’ is part of the Community Plan 2017-2021 and provides a 50-year strategic vision for how urban trees and green infrastructure will be planned and implemented across the Bendigo region.

Primarily it aims to increase vegetation cover and shade across Greater Bendigo’s urban areas in order to decrease the urban heat island effect that plagues built-up areas with warmer temperatures versus the rural parts of Bendigo. Currently, only 16% of urban Bendigo enjoys tree cover. ‘Greening Greater Bendigo’ aims to increase tree cover to 25% by 2030 and 35% by 2050, offering a multitude of physical and mental health benefits to residents.

Priority actions include:

  • A 10-year tree planting program to increase tree cover and replace expected tree losses
  • Precinct plans to guide tree planting and green infrastructure planning in urban areas and townships
  • A 10-year action plan to review how significant trees and landscapes can best be protected
  • Achieving an establishment rate of 95% for newly-planted trees by 2030

The draft strategy is currently and open for feedback.

Source: https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6632457/draft-of-50-year-strategy-to-increase-tree-numbers-in-bendigo/