Urban greenery focus in new strategy

More trees are expected to be saved in the state government’s upcoming urban greening strategy for the Perth and Peel regions, with the property industry backing the move.

The government will develop the ‘Urban Greening Strategy’ to enhance tree canopy through measures including education and awareness, measurement and reporting, and grants.

Today's announcement has been met with support from property industry groups for a more consistent policy on urban greenery.

Property Council of Australia WA interim executive director Emily Young said the strategy created an opportunity for pragmatic and innovative approaches.

“Importantly, this policy will set a Perth and Peel-wide standard which all residents can easily understand and follow when planning their future homes,” she said.

“We have seen different local councils put forward their own ideas to protect green spaces.

“This ad-hoc approach is impractical as it leads to inconsistent outcomes, and in some cases would impede on Western Australians’ private property rights.

“In our conversations with government we have encouraged them to consider a strategy that not only looks at private land, but also focuses on greening community spaces, roadsides and other government-held lazy land."

Australian Institute of Architects WA president Sandy Anghie said the state government’s commitment to develop the strategy was welcomed by the institute.

“Tree canopies and landscape are critical to the quality of streetscapes and our urban experience,” she said.

“As we move to greater density in our city and suburbs we must ensure an even greater focus on urban greening: maintaining and building on both our tree canopies and landscape.

“This will help manage the urban heat island effect in our city and suburbs.”

Ms Anghie said there could be less reliance on mechanical cooling and less energy used with a greater tree canopy.

“So, owners and tenants will save money on operational costs in the long term, helping with the rising cost of living,” she said.

“Australia currently has the largest homes in the world, and WA among the largest homes in the country, with new houses over forty per cent bigger than they were forty years ago.

“We need to move to smaller, more sustainable homes, with a greater focus on landscape and tree canopy.”

The Urban Development Institute of Australia WA has also backed the development of the Urban Greening Strategy, calling it a win for the environment and communities across Perth and Peel

UDIA WA policy and strategy director Sarah Macaulay said a more coordinated approach to increasing urban tree canopy was welcomed by industry.

“Where possible, the retention of established trees and planting of new ones is an important aspect of streetscape design for liveable communities, providing a range of benefits to local communities, as well as the environment and climate,” she said.

“Developers are generally keen to retain trees where they can, not least given their aesthetic value and appeal to buyers.

“Many developers are also committed to rehabilitating degraded vegetation areas to introduce more trees and other flora and fauna where the opportunity is present.”

However, Ms Macaulay said challenges could remain despite the commitment to retain trees becoming a priority.

“For example, when designing new areas there are a range of factors and competing demands for space that need to be considered including essential infrastructure and services, road and footpath widths and parking requirements just to name a few,” she said.

“A strategic approach can help to coordinate all those factors to come up with shared solutions, such as trenching of infrastructure to create more space for trees, and to ultimately achieve better environmental and climate outcomes.

“There are many examples of battle-axe lots and duplex and triplex blocks delivered by private landowners and smaller developers on infill sites that have led to the loss of tree canopy in established areas.

“These areas need to be clearly defined and agreed strategically so there is certainty about conservation areas in the longer term.”

Government led

The announcement follows the revised State Planning Residential Design codes that included incentives to retain existing trees and minimum planting and landscaping standards for developments in medium density areas.

Planning Minister John Carey said the government would engage with Western Australian Local Government Authority, the Western Australian Planning Commission and other stakeholders for the strategy.

“We understand the impacts of climate change and the importance of green neighbourhoods, however, our Urban Greening Strategy must be implemented without compromising the critical delivery of new housing supply that we desperately need,” he said.

“Urban greening is part of our strategy to create liveable, healthy communities while attracting viable infill development that balances the need for housing with quality of life and amenity.

“The strategy will focus on an incentive-based approach, rather than a punitive approach.

“This will include government grant programs, events and incentives, a public education program, expanding successful planting and tree programs, improved tree canopy data, and opportunities to partner with local government and community groups.”

Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said the new strategy would complement and build upon the existing $3.75 million Urban Greening Grants program available to local governments in Perth and Peel.

“There are many benefits of green spaces for liveability, health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, and we are creating a strategy that will encourage, facilitate and enhance our urban green environment across all areas of government,” he said.

“Not only do trees improve our neighbourhoods, they can help with the cost of living; a tree that provides shade to your home can help to reduce your electricity bills.

“We have a shared responsibility with local government, industry, private landowners, and the broader community to care for our environment, protect its biodiversity, and ensure we adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.”

The new strategy aims to complement WA’s Climate Adaptation Strategy and Climate Change Policy, which Mr Whitby said recognised the need to combat climate change through tackling increasing temperatures in communities.