Geelong is aiming to become the first city in Victoria to be recognised as a Tree City of the World.
Councillors unanimously supported the motion to apply for the Tree Cities of the World program at a council meeting on Tuesday night.
The Tree Cities of the World program, an initiative of the United Nations and the Arbor Day Foundation, aims to recognise cities and towns committed to the maintenance, sustainable management and celebration of urban forests and trees.
The program also provides an opportunity for the city to connect with other cities around the world and adopt their successful approaches to managing urban tree populations.
Environment portfolio chair, councillor Jim Mason, said becoming part of such a network would help make Geelong a greener place.
“Being a Tree City of the World would allow us to gain valuable insights into the most successful approaches to managing urban trees and forests,” Cr Mason said.
Several residents took the opportunity at the meeting to address areas they believed the city needed to improve at, including retention of mature trees, footpath canopy shade and the replacement of removed trees.
Noted Geelong conservation advocate Jennifer Bartow said despite her reservations about the city’s current approach, the application was a good step.
“I think it’s a great proposal and I hope the application succeeds because I think it will contribute to the growing momentum of recognition of the importance of our trees,” Ms Bartow said.
“But I would hope that the Heritage Strategy Action Plan is implemented and we would get a Heritage Tree Register.”
Cr Kylie Grzybek raised concerns over whether sufficient funds would be allocated to tree maintenance and management.
“I want to make sure that, if this is successful, it’s included in the budget process,” Cr Grzybek said.
“I want to make sure we’re doing the things we say we’re going to do, so I look forward to seeing those things filter through our budget process. That’s something I’ll be looking for.”
Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said council was committed to making Geelong a greener city.
“It was good to listen to some of the questions from the community tonight that recognise that this acceptance, if it occurs, does have responsibilities for us as a Council,” Cr Aitken said.
“We do understand the importance of our trees and our tree canopy, and we’re up for the challenge to ensure that we are a city of trees.”
