We here in West Gippsland do not have to look far to see
development that has become unappealing, even detrimental, the antithesis of
sustainable development in fact.
Good sustainable development should meet the needs of the
present population without endangering or becoming an impost on future
generations. Sustainable development is simply defined as development without
the depletion of natural resources.
Trees add variety. They create a healthier environment and
enrich our surroundings and they enhance our quality of life.
When trees can offer benefits to a community such as
sequestering carbon, providing shade, improving air quality, enhancing the
water cycle, reducing the use of energy, minimising drainage infrastructure,
calming traffic, provide a sense of place, improve liveability and health
outcomes, improve property values, etc, etc, why are they not an essential part
of every development?
"We are starting
to work closely with landscape architects, urban designers and planners... it's
essential when you're planning urban areas that you consider vegetation as an
asset that needs to be healthy for decades to come.” – Dr P Barber, ArborCarbon, Perth WA.
Trees should be synonymous with sustainable development.
Trees are valuable assets – they provide environmental, aesthetic, cultural and
economic benefits.
Further reading:
City of Stirling WA – Strategies to reverse loss of tree canopy.
Bayside City Council Vic – Tree planting program.
Randwick City Council NSW – Trees and development policies.
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