Have your say on the Draft Urban Forest Strategy

Published on 18 March 2024

Mildura Rural City Council is seeking feedback on our Draft Urban Forest Strategy.

The Strategy aims to increase the overall tree cover in our urban areas to 30 percent by 2040, while developing partnerships with landowners and businesses to green the public realm and reduce the heat bank effect.

Councillor for Environmental and Sustainability Jason Modica said increasing tree canopy in our local parks, streets and neighbourhoods will provide much needed shade and shelter from heat.

“This Strategy is also about improving our air and water quality, our region’s health and wellbeing and our resilience to climate change,” Cr Modica said.

“This will be the first time the public will have access to the background findings and Council’s proposed vision, objectives, strategies and actions.

“We want to hear what the public thinks of the targets and actions identified, what we may have missed, and what is important to them in this space.”

Cr Modica said Mildura currently has an overall tree cover of 11 per cent, with the region boasting plenty of space for more trees on public land, in nature strips, central medians, parks and Council-managed land.

“Much of the heat in summer comes from heat banks such as road pavements and car parks without shade,” Cr Modica said.

“We know that we can develop partnerships with private landowners and businesses to green the public realm and reduce the heat bank effect, and we can also work to select species better suited to our local climate.”

Residents can view the Draft Urban Tree Strategy in full at yoursay.mildura.vic.gov.au/UFS and provide feedback before 19 April 2024.

Council’s Strategic Planning team will also be hosting a series of in-person community drop-in sessions, the next session on Sunday, 14 from 10am to midday at Powerhouse Place. 

For more information contact the Strategic Planning Team 03 5018 8100 or email planning.services@mildura.vic.gov.au

ENDS