Local government pursues urban forest strategy
9 November 2004
Local government leaders meeting in Canberra today have resolved to seek an inter-governmental approach to the development of a national urban forest strategy.
The Newcastle City Council's motion calls for a strategy which includes promoting the benefits derived from preserving existing urban forest cover and expanding it where appropriate.
Delegates heard that many countries, including those in Europe, Asia and the United States use an urban forest or community approach to managing their urban trees. The benefits include:
- provision of habitat and enhanced biodiversity
- reducing build up of carbon dioxide
- air quality improvement and reduction of pollutants
- storm water managements and water quality improvement
- social and community benefits such as improved recreational opportunities, noise attenuation and improved aesthetic appeal.
The motion stated that the National General Assembly should pursue an intergovernmental approach to the development of a national urban forest strategy which reflects the purpose and objectives of the United States Co-operative Forestry Assistance Act.
It also called for the adoption of a definition of an 'urban forest' - the totality of trees and shrubs in all public and private land in and around urban areas, including bushland, parkland, garden and street trees and is measured as a canopy cover percentage of the total area and recognised as a primary component of the urban ecosystem.
More than 650 delegates from councils across Australia are meeting in Canberra to discuss a broad range of issues including local government financing, cost shifting, population and demographic change, the environment, transport and infrastructure.
