Urban Forest

Urban Forest Plan 2018 - 2028

This plan outlines how the City plans to increase the tree canopy within streetscapes and public open space to improve biodiversity, liveability and wellbeing.

 
Read the Urban Forest Plan 2018-2028

Urban Forest Plan 2018 - 2028

During the past decade, the City has experienced rapid clearing of vegetation due to urban development. In a recent national survey on the state of vegetation cover in metropolitan Australia the City of Cockburn was ranked in the lowest quartile of the 140 local authorities studied for the degree to which it has lost its shade canopy.

It is estimated that the City’s population will grow by 27% to over 150,000 residents by 2028. This urban expansion, coupled with the emerging challenges of climate change, puts considerable pressure on the City’s urban forest.

The City has developed a comprehensive Urban Forest Plan which aims to create a healthy, diverse and thriving forest that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Cockburn community.

The plan identifies 6 strategic objectives and targets, accompanied by 30 actions, mapping a clear pathway for a thriving forest.
As part of the City’s Urban Forest Plan 2018-2028, residents can continue to request verge trees to increase shade canopy in their street.
 
What is an urban forest?

The urban forest refers to all forms of vegetation  within the City.  This includes shrubs (up to 3 metres) and the tree canopy (above 3 metres) on both private property and land managed by the City.

What are the benefits?

Healthy and well-managed urban forests have been shown to provide a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to urban communities including:

  • Improving the health and wellbeing of residents

  • Enhancing biodiversity and providing ecological corridors

  • Lowering maximum summer temperatures in urban areas

  • Reducing household energy costs (up to 8%) and

  • Increasing amenity and property values (up to $17,000)

  • Reducing urban-heat-island-effect

Urban heat island effect
  • The urban heat island effect  occurs when vegetation is replaced with surfaces that absorb and retain heat (eg bitumen, concrete and brick buildings). Unshaded roads and buildings absorb heat during the day and radiate that heat into the surrounding air. As a result, unshaded urban areas  tend to be several degrees hotter than vegetated areas, particularly in summer.

  • Urban forests are an effective contributor to mitigating the urban heat island effect. Trees provide shade and cool the surrounding air helping to reduce maximum summer temperatures.

How you can help

More information and contact

For more information, please contact the Environmental Team on 08 9411 3444 or send an email.

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.