The Urban Forest Strategy 2025-2030 has been endorsed by Council at the 24 June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.

The below Alternative Motion for endorsement with amendments was successfully carried:

That Council:

1. Endorses the Urban Forest Strategy 2025–2030, subject to the following amendments:

a. Add a new part 5.1.2.2 as follows:

“Identify legacy verges treated with synthetic turf and develop an engagement strategy to encourage their conversion to finishes that comply with contemporary standards.”

b. Add a new part 5.2.1.2 as follows:

“Utilise high-resolution canopy mapping, obtained on a biennial basis, to monitor the effectiveness of the new Scheme and Local Planning framework in supporting an integrated planning approach that promotes high-quality development and urban canopy growth.”

c. Renumber existing parts 5.2.1.2 and 5.2.1.3 to 5.2.1.3 and 5.2.1.4 respectively.

d. Add a new part 5.2.1.5 as follows:

“Strive for a city-wide increase in canopy cover across all land use types, and an absolute increase in canopy on land under the City’s control that contributes to urban greening.”

2. Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to:

a. Approve minor modifications to the Urban Forest Strategy 2025–2030 as required.

b. Arrange for the Urban Forest Strategy to be professionally designed prior to publication.

The full Council Motion can be viewed in the Ordinary Council Meeting minutes available on our website

The strategy will now proceed to professional design and release.