We're inviting your feedback on a long-term plan to create greener, cooler streets and public spaces across its townships.
Our draft Branching Out Implementation Plan sets out a 10-year vision to guide how and where trees are planted on public land, supporting healthier environments, stronger local character and improved community wellbeing.
The plan is part of our multi-year Branching Out public tree planting initiative and outlines proposed objectives, targets and design principles to shape future planting.
A key target is to increase tree canopy cover across the shire's townships from 28.9 per cent to 32 per cent by 2036.
To help achieve this, we're proposing to support the planting of around 8340 trees over the next decade, consisting of street trees and trees in parks and open spaces.
Recognising the unique character of each township, the plan adopts a place-based approach, ensuring planting responds to local conditions and opportunities.
Community feedback is now open and will help refine the vision and objectives for the plan.
You're invited to share your views by completing our short online survey by 15 June.
Feedback is sought on:
- Overall support for Council investment in tree planting on public land.
- The proposed vision, targets, objectives and design principles in the draft plan.
All submissions will be carefully considered before the plan is finalised.
Early stages of the Branching Out project have already seen us partner with local community groups to deliver planting projects in Deans Marsh and Winchelsea.
Students from Deans Marsh Primary recently helped water in new trees outside their school, planted as part of a Branching Out project in partnership with the Deans Marsh Streetscapers.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said community input would play an important role in shaping the plan.
"We're investing in planting trees on public land because of the many benefits they bring to our environment and our community," Cr Schonfelder said.
"This plan will guide our planting efforts over the next decade, so it's important we hear from the community. I encourage everyone to take a look and have their say."
