We are partnering with local community groups in the first phase of a multi-year effort to increase the number of trees in Surf Coast Shire towns.
As part of an initiative called 'Branching Out,' we'll help deliver major street tree planting projects in Winchelsea and Deans Marsh this year.
The Winchelsea project, developed in partnership with Growing Winchelsea in line with its Winchelsea Arboretum Trail Concept Plan, will see more than 80 trees planted in priority areas in the town.
A further 80 trees will be planted along key streets in Deans Marsh, in a project initiated by the Deans Marsh Streetscaping Group.
Both projects are fully funded through our 2024-25 budget, with planting to begin soon.
Councillor Tony Phelps recently met with members of Growing Winchelsea's Arboretum Trail sub-committee.
"This is an important investment by the Council, aimed at putting more trees in the ground to help our local towns become greener, cooler, more appealing places to live and visit," Cr Phelps said.
"Along with the many environmental benefits, Branching Out will help boost local economies and contribute to a happier and healthier community."
As well as tree planting projects, Branching Out will also deliver:
- a preferred species list for each town to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places; and
- a canopy cover and heat map assessment to help determine future priority planting areas.
Branching Out is being planned as a six-year initiative, subject to future funding, that would ultimately see around 1200 new trees planted across the shire.
Funding of $160,000 has been included in our draft 2025-26 budget for year two.
Cr Phelps said the environmental benefits of trees in urban environments are significant.
"Planting more trees will help adapt our townships to withstand the changing climate," Cr Phelps said.
"Trees are proven to reduce urban heat, air pollution and noise, while supporting biodiversity and improving stormwater filtration.
"It's a very exciting project and we can't wait to see it unfold."
Community members are encouraged to keep an eye on the Branching Out webpage for updates.
Photo L-R: Surf Coast Shire councillor Tony Phelps with Growing Winchelsea Arboretum Trail sub-committee members Naida Hutton, Libby Russell, Rod Taylor and Victoria Hastings.
