City branches out with Tree Master Plan

Sydney streets are set to become greener in coming years with the introduction of City of Sydney’s Street Tree Master Plan 2011.

The draft plan, which went on exhibition earlier this week, proposes the planting of thousands of trees across the city with the hope of improving the quality of open spaces and streetscapes.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the plan will create “more inviting spaces for residents” and believes it will be beneficial for the city.

“Planting trees … across the City can also increase residential property prices and reap other important benefits, such as better air quality and cheaper household energy bills,” she said.

Convener of Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Working Group, Will Mrongovius agreed.
“We support the new master plan . . . The Council is to be congratulated on its Tree policy.”

But support for the plan is not widespread with a number of concerns having already been raised.
Councillor Shayne Mallard is concerned about the amount of input given to residents.

“The problem with the plan is that it is too prescriptive. The plan should give residents more say in what they want growing on their streets outside their houses,” he said.

Councillor Mallard is concerned this lack of community consultation will result in complaints and conflict when the plan has been approved and planting begins.

“I encourage the community to take a look at the plan now and then look at their street and say ‘What works on my street? Why are they trying to change it?’” he said.

Councillor Irene Doutney agreed residents needed more say but stressed the lack of indigenous trees.
“My concerns are with the types of trees proposed and having too many foreign and non-indigenous trees planted,” she said.

“I would want to see a real push for trees that provide food for native wildlife and native birds.”
Elizabeth Elenius from Pyrmont Ultimo Land Care shares these concerns.

“I express very strong opposition to the use of celtis australis as a street tree in the plan,” she said.
As part of the Sustainable Sydney 2030 program, the plans aim to increase the city’s tree canopy by 50 per cent over the next 20 years.

The draft Street Tree Master Plan 2011 can be viewed on the City of Sydney Council website until September 12 and is available in hard copy at all Neighbourhood Services Centres.

By Tara Blancato