NPSP adopts its first ever Tree Strategy with focus on climate change, biodiversity and beautiful streets

The Strategy has set a target of planting new 500 street trees in 2022 and also sets out the Council’s role in advocating for the retention of trees and planting trees on private land.

Mayor Robert Bria said the three primary objectives of the Strategy are:

• adapting to climate change and mitigating against urban heat;
• ensuring species diversity to support sustainability and biodiversity; and
• delivering clean, safe and beautiful streets and footpaths to enhance active lifestyles and community well-being.

There are approximately 20,000 street trees in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters with 7,000 trees in parks and reserves and, including trees on private land, the City has 24 per cent tree canopy cover. The Council has committed to increasing its tree coverage by 20 per cent by 2045, with a particular focus on suburbs with low levels of coverage such as Glynde, Firle and Payneham South, compared to St Peters and College Park that have over 30 per cent coverage.

“The endorsement of the 2022-2027 Tree Strategy recognises the leadership role which the Council can play in setting clear objectives and guidelines, both strategic and operational, for managing Council owned trees in the City,” he said.

“Trees are what makes the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters one of the most desirable local government areas to live and visit. They are the of lungs of our City, bringing cooler temperatures in summer as well as providing beauty to our streets and habitat for birds and animals to sustain biodiversity.

“The Council recognises that with climate change taking on a more prominent role, trees will continue to play an important role in in environmental agenda.

“Through this Strategy, there is an opportunity for the Council to take a more strategic and long-term approach with its street tree planting program. Through this Strategy the Council also plans to engage and involve the community in watering street trees in their local areas,” he said.

Mayor Bria said the submissions received during the community consultation period provided valuable information to the Council and a number of the comments were incorporated to improve the Strategy.

He said, to ensure the successful delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan, a Staff Steering Group comprised of staff across the Council would be established to monitor and track progress and report to the Council.