Published on Wednesday, 6 March 2024 at 12:10:59 PM
The City of Albany is embarking on two crucial initiatives: the development of a new Local Biodiversity Strategy and a comprehensive overhaul of its Urban Tree Strategy.
This effort underscores the City's commitment to addressing the complex challenge of balancing development pressures with biodiversity conservation; a challenge encountered by policymakers, environmentalists, and communities worldwide.
The Local Biodiversity Strategy aims to integrate biodiversity preservation into planning and decision-making processes by assessing benefits and challenges associated with conservation, considering legal requirements and habitat distribution, while establishing criteria and priorities for suitable conservation and management areas.
A Community Stakeholder Group will be formed that ensures active participation from community and stakeholders plays a pivotal role in embedding the strategic objectives of the Local Biodiversity Strategy into the municipality's planning and decision-making processes.
Simultaneously, the City is undertaking a review of its Urban Tree Strategy, expanding it to encompass an Urban Forest Strategy. This comprehensive approach will include all vegetation within the urban environment, including native and non-native species on private and public land.
The Urban Forest Strategy aims to enhance public amenity, improve air quality, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote public health by expanding urban tree canopy cover.
Ruth March, Manager of Engineering and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of these strategies in the City’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and thriving community.
“Conserving biodiversity and enriching our urban forest not only safeguard our natural heritage but also create a healthier and more liveable environment for present and future generations,” she stated.
“Our natural surroundings are integral to the vibrancy, resilience, and liveability of Albany. Therefore, protecting our biodiversity and expanding our urban forest are top priorities for the City as we strive to promote and facilitate the sustainable growth of Albany.
Community members are encouraged to share their input regarding the future of the City's natural environment by participating in a survey designed to stimulate discussions on Albany's biodiversity and urban forest canopy.
Residents can access the Local Biodiversity and Urban Forest Community Survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WW829K6 until Friday 12th April 2024.
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