Greater Horsham tree strategy adopted

Published on 04 March 2022

Greening Greater Horsham.PNG

Horsham Rural City Council has officially adopted the Greening Greater Horsham Municipal Tree Strategy.

The policy outlines how Council will help to safeguard significant trees and grow Horsham’s canopy coverage to improve livability of the city and its surrounding areas.

The strategy was open to community feedback for six weeks last September and October.

Its adoption at Monday’s 28 February Council Meeting means HRCC will now pursue tree canopy targets set out in the strategy.

  1. Tree canopy cover over our urban and rural road reserves will be increased from 20% to 25%
  2. Tree canopy cover over the urban area of Horsham (inclusive of private land) will be increased from 15.3% to 20%
  3. Tree Canopy cover over the public areas of the Central Activity District will be increased from 9.9% to 15%
  4. Tree Canopy cover over parklands will be increased from 16% to 25%

Urban tree canopy is measured using satellite imagery.

The Strategy seeks to embed the following objectives into Council’s everyday business:

  • Protect and enhance existing public trees: Ensure existing trees are protected from unnecessary removal or damage and that they are cared for to ensure longevity, optimum health and minimisation of risk
  • Increase tree canopy cover: Improve the cover of natural shade in our townships to create attractive and walkable streets

  • Improve streetscape character and biodiversity linkages of Horsham and townships including river frontage: Use tree planting to improve the look and feel of our streetscapes and to increase connectivity and habitat for biodiversity

  • Educate and engage with the community: Raise awareness within our community about the importance of urban trees, including on private land and increase community participation in decision making

  • Deliver a best practice tree management program: Ensure the care of our trees is based on industry best practice of urban tree management techniques and methods

  • Celebrate cultural heritage: Plan for the city’s landscape to help define its character, culture and image and reinforce the value placed on culturally and historically significant trees

Greening Greater Horsham - Municipal Tree Strategy(PDF, 9MB)

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