Council has a plan to create greener streets and neighbourhoods

Council has released its draft Mackay Urban Greening Strategy for public comment and everyone who leaves feedback on the strategy will go into the draw to win 10 free native plants from council’s Mackay Natural Environment Centre.

Urban greening is the process of strategically identifying ways to protect, plan and plant vegetation across urban areas including streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.

Council’s draft Urban Greening Strategy also focuses on encouraging residents and businesses to plant more trees and vegetation on their private properties.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council recognised the importance of urban greening and the impacts it had on residents, the environment and the economy.

“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low, and it is also declining in some areas,” he said.

“Responses to a recent community survey indicate that 99 per cent of residents support council initiatives that involve planting more trees in public spaces and 95 per cent of residents support council investment into programs that encourage private landholders to plant more trees on their own properties.

“Urban greening not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to the amenity of Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.

“With issues such as climate change expected to increase the demand for shade in the future, this is something we need to start planning for now as beautiful, big shady trees don’t just grow overnight.”

The draft Mackay Urban Greening Strategy sets four key objectives for the next 20 years.

1. Grow greener and cooler neighbourhoods
2. Protect and nurture our valued green assets
3. Build community stewardship and partnerships
4. Adapt and learn.

The draft strategy also sets the following key targets, which it aims to achieve by 2045:

• an average of 40 per cent tree canopy cover over pathways (up from 16.8 per cent in 2021)
• an average of 40 per cent tree canopy cover over public parks and open space network (up from 33.6 per cent in 2021); and
• an annual net gain of public tree numbers ensuring more trees are planted than removed.

Residents are being encouraged to read the strategy at www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening and leave their comments and feedback. Visit the webpage to subscribe to the Mackay urban greening eNewsletter and stay informed about native plant giveaways and sales, and tree planting projects, activities and events.

A hard copy version of the draft strategy will also be available at all council libraries and Customer Service Centres in Mackay, Mirani and Sarina for residents to read.

Consultation closes on Friday, October 30, 2022, at 11.59pm.