Growing a Greener Future: BES Feedback on the Ballina Council Urban Vegetation Policy
The Ballina Environment Society has submitted formal feedback on Council’s Urban Vegetation on Public Land Policy. While we are pleased to see the Tree Inventory initiative moving forward, we’ve noted that this essential planning tool has been in the works for over three years. It’s time to move from policy to practice.
BES congratulates the council for the tree inventory initiative. However, it is important to note that this project has been somehow in the policy for at least three years, and it seems no progress was made. This is a very relevant planning tool that should be guiding councils actions. BES also emphasises the necessity of measuring the outcomes of this policy to ensure its effectiveness.
The feedback on the Urban Vegetation on Public Land Policy for Ballina Shire includes important suggestions:
1. Measurement of Outcomes: The inclusion of a report to monitor and measure the outcomes is essential. As urban trees age or are removed for development, it is important to quantify their loss and understand the impact on the environment. BES also strongly suggests council thinks about planting trees in clumps or buffering them with ground cover to support soil health and consequently the health of the tree and its resistance to extreme weather (as vegetation is able to exchange nutrients through mycorrhizal connections).
2. Recognition of Green Infrastructure: The policy should emphasize the importance of trees beyond aesthetic value. Highlighting their role in water retention and stabilizing banks and steep hills is vital for community awareness and support.
3. Connecting Walkable Areas: It is crucial to plan for shaded routes that connect different areas in the town. This can promote walking and enhance the usability of public spaces.
4. Management and Action Plans:
Developing management or action plans for various parcels of land, like road corridors, would provide a structured approach to vegetation maintenance.
5. Aerial Overlay and Vegetation Report: The idea of using an aerial overlay combined with a detailed vegetation report in tabular format is a practical approach to identify and prioritize areas in need of attention.
6. Guide for Community Involvement: Providing initial guidance through action plans would also encourage community groups to participate in volunteering efforts on these sites, fostering a sense of community stewardship.
Consideration of these aspects will ultimately lead to more sustainable urban vegetation management.
Read Ballina Council’s URBAN VEGETATION ON PUBLIC LAND Policy here.
