Urban Forest Strategy adopted for Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula Shire has adopted a comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy - a forward-thinking plan designed to safeguard and expand the region’s urban forest for future generations.

This Strategy was shaped by extensive consultation with the community.

From May to July, the Shire received substantial feedback including more than 600 social media poll responses and 150 survey responses. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of survey respondents supporting the Strategy’s vision.

The Urban Forest encompasses all trees and vegetation across both private and public lands within the Shire’s urban areas.

With an impressive average tree canopy cover of 37%, one of the highest in Victoria, the Shire’s urban forest is crucial for cooling, shading, and supporting local wildlife.

Despite notable growth in canopy cover from 2011 to 2020, certain areas have experienced significant loss, primarily due to increased development.

The newly adopted Urban Forest Strategy aligns with the community's desire for enhanced tree coverage and is set to achieve an ambitious target: ensuring that 45% of streets and parks are shaded by tree canopy by 2034.

This Strategy will prioritise areas most in need, addressing current canopy levels and vulnerability to heat stress. The Strategy aims to mitigate urban heat, improve quality of life, and bolster the region's unique natural environment and biodiversity.

Key themes of the Urban Forest Strategy:

• Growing and Protecting: Focused on nurturing and preserving the Shire’s current urban forest to ensure long-term health and resilience.

• Thriving: Encourages collaboration between residents, community groups, and the Shire to enhance greening efforts across the Peninsula.

• Resilient: Addresses climate change and urban development challenges by preparing for extreme weather, pests, and diseases.

• Equitable: Ensures the benefits of the urban forest are fairly distributed across all communities and demographics.

Mayor Simon Brooks noted “the adoption of our Urban Forest Strategy marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the liveability of our townships and safeguarding our natural environment.

“By increasing our tree canopy and fostering a resilient urban forest, we are not only improving our quality of life but also supporting the wellbeing of future generations.

“This Strategy also ensures our street trees are managed and replaced over their lifecycle using the best species for the location with a focus on native and indigenous species where suitable.

“This Strategy reflects the voices of our community and demonstrates our dedication to creating a greener, healthier Peninsula for everyone.”

View the Strategy