Shepparton's Urban Forest Strategy discussion paper

A discussion paper entitled “Urban Forest Strategy” has been released for discussion the City of Greater Shepparton.

The introduction says: “Shepparton’s Urban Forest is the sum of all urban vegetation. It is the Council owned street and park trees, it is the plants and trees in back and front yards, it is the vegetation along urban waterways, in

reserves and on other major landholder’s land.

The urban forest provides many benefits to people and the environment. Those of importance to Shepparton are:

Economic Values

The urban forest:

 Improves commercial vitality: shoppers spend longer and more money in shopping areas that are well treed and landscaped. Tree can improve retail activity by up to 20%.

 increases house prices in Brisbane and Perth through the provision of healthy and well maintained street trees

 reduces energy use in buildings: A 10% increase in deciduous tree cover can reduce heating and cooling costs in houses by 5-10%

 greatly improves the brand and liveability of the City, especially along gateway roads into a town or City

 can provide a return on capital of up to five times e.g. New York’s street trees

 is one of the most cost effective and efficient public assets for adapting urban areas to climate change through provision of shade, evapotranspiration and stormwater interception.

Health and Wellbeing

The urban forest:

 provides natural shade and shelter for pedestrians and cyclists: Shade trees reduce daytime temperatures between 5 – 20C

 Improves the desirability of a neighbourhood and encourage people to spend time outdoors and interact with their community, particularly in areas of socio-economic disadvantage

 improves amenity and aesthetic of public open space, particularly playgrounds, encouraging active play

 encourages motorists to drive more slowly through the provision of uniform, avenue like plantings along streets creating safer streets