The Council has adopted a bold plan to increase the tree canopy across Port Phillip, precinct by precinct starting in Balaclava/East St Kilda.
Branded as Urban Forest Precinct Plans, the Council has set a 2040 target of 30% canopy cover on streets, a minimum of 40% canopy cover on public space (excluding sports fields), and increased biodiverse planting across the municipality.
It is a comprehensive strategy with detailed objectives on an almost street-by-street basis. Balaclava/East St Kilda was selected as the template for future precinct plans, which will be rolled out over the next decade and beyond.
Why Balaclava/East St Kilda?
According to Council paperwork, the area was chosen due to its diverse streetscape typologies and varying widths, including narrow and constrained spaces for tree planting. This complexity made it an ideal location to test and refine the planning approach.
A more cynical view might suggest that parts of the area have suffered from a lack of love over recent decades and are looking worse for wear. It is also likely that enthusiastic lobbying by the local councillors helped move the area to the top of the list. But don’t stress, other areas are soon to follow.
What might change to create an Urban Forest?
Backed by a 100-page consultant report, the plans aim to apply some system to a wide range of finer details—and as usual, the devil is in the detail.
The key changes are likely to be, in the Council’s own words:
• Guidance for tree and vegetation planting that reflects neighbourhood character, urban forest principles, and local challenges.
• Identification of planting opportunities that improve equity, such as increasing shade in heat vulnerable areas, along key walking and cycling routes, near public transport stops, and around activity centres.
• Recommendations for suitable tree species for different streets and locations.
Discuss before you dig
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Council will be getting community consensus on the street-by-street implications of their vision. To mangle an old expression, some people may not be able to see the forest for the trees. Experience suggests that people take trees personally and emotionally because they love them.
The 30% canopy target is a significant increase from the current 20% canopy in Balaclava/East St Kilda, which means a lot of extra greenery.
It also intersects with hot button issues like parking, public space use, footpaths, and the ongoing challenges posed by our great Australian nature strips.
Let the ‘battle’ for Balaclava be neighbourly; if we do it right, future generations will thank us.
Key documents will be available on this Council page shortly
