In 2002 our overall tree canopy was 25%. Two decades later we were told that it had declined to 12.5% – literally halved. The cause was largely put down to urban development on private land. With the introduction of the Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) in 2021, the target increase was eventually set at 22% by 2040. It bears remembering that council had to be dragged screaming to this figure since the draft UFS had officers recommending a target of 14% by 2040.

Since the introduction of the UFS, practically nothing has been published as to how well Glen Eira is doing in achieving this target. We don’t know:

  • How many canopy trees have been removed on private land
  • Given that we don’t know how many planted new trees are ‘replacements’ for those already lost, the overall planting figures in parks and streets provided by council are meaningless. Without knowing how many trees are removed each year in these areas, the planting figures fail to reveal the true nature of our increasing or declining tree canopy.
  • Nor do we know what council’s success rate is in the planting of new trees, nor how much wastage and poor maintenance, costs ratepayers. Anecdotal evidence tells us that many new plantings simply do not survive the long haul to maturity.
  • Do we actually have a pruning schedule? A watering schedule? An inspection schedule? If so, why aren’t these in the public domain?

To sum it all up, we have no idea if we are in fact anywhere near the target of 22% by 2040. For all we know, and suspect, we believe that we are continuing to go backwards, and fast, given recent history. If we are indeed going backwards, then it raises the important issue as to ultimate targets to address the decline. Namely, is 22% enough to halt further decline? Is the current funding allocated, sufficient?

Finally, we present the following stats as a comparison to what other councils set their targets at. Some of these UFS were introduced between 2021-24 and hence will soon be updated we assume. Some councils in the western suburbs have lower tree canopy coverage, but they have also been provided with massive funds from the State Government to increase their overall coverage. The telling point is that for the vast majority of these councils, a figure of 22% by 2040 was obviously seen as inadequate. Not so Glen Eira!!!!!

GLEN EIRA – 22% by 2040

BASS COAST – 40% by 2040

BAYSIDE – 30% by 2040

BANYULE – 30% by 2050

BRIMBANK – 30% by 2046

BOROONDARA – 30% by 2030

HOBSON’S BAY – 30% by 2040

MELBOURNE – 40% by 2040

MERRIBEK – 29% by 2050

MONASH – 30% by 2040

MOONEE VALLEY – 30% by 2040

NILLUMBIK – 40% by 2040

PORT PHILLIP – 30% by 2040 (to be included in 2026)

WHITEHORSE – 30% by 2050