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Urban Nature Program

Aims

A commitment to the planting of 10,000 trees per year through shade tree plantings, free tree giveaways, revegetation projects, community and school involvement. Target areas include schools, parks, main roadways, drains and waterways in the urban environment.

Urban Nature Program is administered by Integrated Sustainability Services and has two main components:

Objectives

  • To complement and enhance previous greening programs and projects undertaken by Townsville City Council,
  • To support Townsville schools establishing shade trees in school grounds and promote 'Sunsafe' practices,
  • To encourage community involvement in greening projects on Council managed lands and waterways,
  • To increase the capacity of Council and the community to undertake greening projects.

Outcomes

  • A greater sense of community pride and ownership resulting from enhanced amenity and shade tree plantings, Townsville's image transformed from 'brown and dusty' to 'clean, green and inviting',
  • Increased commercial and tourism activity as a result of Council's greening initiatives,
  • A sustainable cityscape based on the 3 Ps - People, Place and Prosperity.

Key messages

  • Urban Nature is a new initiative designed to complement previous greening programs,
  • Improving community amenity is important to Townsville City Council,
  • Returning vegetation to the urban environment, particularly shade trees, is important to Townsville City Council,
  • Community involvement in greening initiatives is valued by Townsville City Council,
  • Townsville City Council is continually improving its vegetation establishment and maintenance practices, particularly in the area of planning and preparation,
  • Townsville City Council is working to improve previously planted areas in the light of improved understanding,
  • Achievement of some community outcomes and objectives can be improved with Council as a partner,
  • Achievement of some Council outcomes and objectives can be improved with community as a partner,
  • Opportunities exist to incorporate broader environmental initiatives in Council greening programs.

Desired Relationship

  • Partnerships - Townsville City Council wishes to build partnerships with the community through involvement of individuals, volunteers, schools, groups, business, government agencies and non-government agencies in greening and revegetation initiatives. See existing community partnerships.

Mutual Outcomes

  • A better place to live - Urban Nature will improve the environmental values of the urban landscape and make Townsville a better place to live,
  • Shade and shelter - the addition of trees and vegetation will increase shade and shelter to provide the community with more enjoyable outdoor experiences,
  • Increased knowledge - the program will add to the knowledge of Council staff and community participants, and that knowledge will be made available to the wider community,
  • Better use of resources - development of better methods for planting and maintenance will result in more effective use of Council resources for the benefit of the community.