Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
May 2016
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Kororoit Creek, Albanvale
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
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Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Page No
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Executive Summary
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Vision
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What is an Urban Forest Strategy
13 Why is an Urban Forest Strategy needed
19 Challenges in Developing an Urban Forest Strategy
25 Brimbank’s Urban Forest Today
31 Developing the Urban Forest
43 Protecting Our Urban Forest
49 Action Plan
54 Delivery and Review
Contents
Lemon Scented Gum, Sunhine RSL
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Verona Drive Reserve, Keilor Lodge
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
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Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
The Urban Forest Strategy is a strategic approach to increasing
canopy cover in Brimbank from 6.2% to 30% over the next 30 years.
This strategy sets a strategic framework for planting trees on streets,
urban parks, along waterways and to encourage planting in private
open space. It aims is to deliver positive health, social, economic and
environmental outcomes for the Brimbank community.
The Brimbank landscape has, over time, transformed from a
grassland landscape, into an urbanised landscape, with a mixture of
traditional suburban typologies, commercial and industrial precincts
and increasing urban densification. This has created the need for
a contemporary landscape response to improve the liveability of
Brimbank. There is a growing body of evidence that an Urban Forest
can deliver numerous community and health benefits which will be
explored throughout this strategy.
This strategy has been developed in line with the Greening The
West Strategic Plan, 2013, which promotes a regional approach to
greening particularly through the planting of trees.
The Urban Forest Strategy interacts with other Council strategies that
seek to improve liveability and work with the natural environment in
Brimbank, as follows.
The ongoing implementation of Council’s ‘Creating Better Parks
Policy and Plan 2008’ has improved parks, open space and
play outcomes making our parks well-developed spaces that
contribute to the physical and mental health of residents, create
better connected communities, and significantly contribute to the
character of neighbourhoods.
Brimbank’s Biodiversity Strategy 2012 aims to protect natural
environments such as grasslands and waterways. Biodiversity
Protection and enhancement of these natural systems is a key
element of Urban Forestry in creating a diverse and resilient urban
landscape.
The Home and Housed Strategy ensures housing growth into the
future and emphasizes the importance of liveable neighbourhoods,
protecting Brimbank’s existing suburbs and ensuring green open
spaces and landscaping is provided.
This strategy also supports Council’s Greenhouse Reduction
Strategy. The Urban Forest Strategy will contribute to creating
a city that is adaptive and resilient to changes in short and long
term climatic conditions. Council is continuing to work on further
climate mitigation and adaptations actions through Brimbank’s
Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2012-2023 and through
involvement in the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA)
The Urban Forest Strategy rethinks the approach to planting
trees and will only be achievable with a whole of government
and community led approach to planting. The strategy ensures
trees are at the forefront of Council’s decision making process, to
improve liveability throughout Brimbank.
Executive Summary
Kororoit Creek, Albanvale
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Taylors Creek, Keilor
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
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Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Vision
To achieve this vision, this strategy will provide the framework to:
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Significantly increase tree planting in the municipality on
public and private land to achieve a canopy cover of 30%;
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Create a more liveable city through tree planting;
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Explore a formal process to protect existing trees from
the impacts of development of infrastructure renewal;
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Foster collaborative design to maximise canopy cover and
reduce impervious surfaces in streets;
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Create further opportunities to engage with nature;
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Create understanding and positive community
attitudes towards the Urban Forest.
The strategy will detail what is required to achieve this vision and
sets out actions required to create an integrated Urban Forest for
Brimbank.
‘To create a resilient, healthy and diverse landscape that improves the liveability of
Brimbank, meeting community needs now and into the future’
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Eucalyptus leucoxylon Conata’, Sydenham Park
What is an Urban Forest
Strategy?
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Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
What is an Urban Forest Strategy?
The Urban Forest Strategy provides a holistic approach to improving canopy
cover throughout the municipality. It provides direction to the development,
management and protection of all Brimbank’s trees over the next 30 years to
improve the liveability of Brimbank
What is an Urban Forest?
The Brimbank Urban Forest comprises all vegetation within
Brimbank .This includes all trees, plants and grasses and the
environment in which they are able to grow. All living systems
are considered part of the Urban Forest, such as street trees,
parks, grasslands, waterways, vegetation in schools and privately
managed land, green roofs, green walls and balconies.
This strategy primarily focuses on planting and protecting trees to
improve canopy cover. It also provides strategic justification and
methods to reduce the impacts of heatwaves through increased
vegetation, contributing to improved liveability.
Why is an Urban Forest Important?
Urban Forests are important as they provide critical ecosystem
services such as air and water filtration, shade, habitat, oxygen,
carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. The Urban Forest also
provides a connection to nature that is often perceived to be
missing in urban areas.
The Urban Forest provides ‘breathing spaces’ in urban
environments. As houses become larger and lot sizes become
smaller, green spaces and places of nature become more important
in the lives of the community.
All vegetation, especially trees, play a crucial role in mitigating
climate change and improving air quality. One mature tree can
absorb 27 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the air (American
Meteorological Society 2012) and save energy through reduced use
of cooling devices. Leaves of a tree can also absorb pollutants such
as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, dust and other particles.
Trees and vegetation also absorb and therefore reduce the impacts
of noise. In the Brimbank area, where there is a high concentration
of major transport and commercial noise, this is an important part
of liveability for the municipality.
Perhaps the most important role trees play in the Urban Forest is
providing canopy cover. The canopy of a tree will provide shade
to the surface below. The shade provided by the tree will prevent
impervious surfaces such as footpaths and roads from absorbing
and releasing heat, contributing to the heat island effect.
A well developed landscape of trees, shrubs, grassland and
waterways provide habitat for a variety of species. This provides
nesting, foraging, food and protection for animals to thrive.
The Urban Forest also enhances the character and uniqueness
of an area. In aesthetic terms, a strong Urban Forest encourages
people and business to relocate to an area and reinforces a sense of
place, which contributes to economic activity.
Overall, a strong, healthy and vibrant Urban Forest will improve the
liveability of Brimbank, reduce the impacts of heat, pollution and
noise, while providing an environment for local fauna.
What the Urban Forest Strategy Proposes
This strategy proposes actions, that will improve canopy cover of
the existing Urban Forest. It identifies areas to be protected and
enhanced whilst also recognizing deficiencies to the existing Urban
Forest and providing a strategic direction for its improvement, in
particular, canopy cover.
This strategy acknowledges that the Urban Forest in Brimbank is
facing significant challenges both because of the urban nature of
the environment in which it grows and because of environmental
challenges of western Melbourne (ie low rainfall and soil type)
alongside issues such as pests and diseases. The strategy will set
out how the Council intends to mitigate these challenges and
continually develop the canopy of the Urban Forest into the future.
Having this strategy will enable Council, to quantify the structure,
composition and distribution of its Urban Forest. The strategy will
underpin the current and future management decisions that aim to
improve the liveability of Brimbank.
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Gnome Village, Keilor Park
Why the Urban Forest
Strategy is needed
14
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Why the Urban Forest Strategy is needed
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Climate change has the potential to severely impact on the health
and development of Brimbank’s vegetation. At this stage we
do not know what these impacts may be but we must create a
resilient Urban Forest to help adapt to severe weather events such
as extreme heat, flooding, drought and inundation can have a
devastating impact on the health of vegetation and therefore the
Brimbank community.
Brimbank’s annual rainfall since 1997 has generally been below
average. Rainfall for 2014 and 2015 has been well below average
with many areas of Brimbank receiving less than 400mm of rainfall.
There is also an increase in extreme weather events such as heat
waves and storms which may impact on the health of the tree
population of Brimbank.
The possibility of more permanent extreme weather events
changes the environment in which trees grow, making them
susceptible to the potential impacts of climate change. A strong,
diverse tree population will ensure that trees continue to provide
the benefits needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A healthy Urban Forest can play a key role in reducing the
impacts of climate change. More trees will absorb more carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and provide shading to reduce the
absorption of heat into hard surfaces and releasing this heat into
the atmosphere.
Trees also play a key role in reducing infrastructure damage from
strong wind events, providing a wind break that can protect
buildings from storm damage.
Vegetation helps to reduce the potential of flooding by absorbing
stormwater rather than allowing all of it to enter Brimbank’s
drainage system and waterways.
This strategy forms a part of Council’s efforts to adapt to a
changing climate. Through the Brimbank Greenhouse Reduction
Strategy, Council is implementing and continuously investigating
approaches to reach its targets of a 50% reduction in 2011
greenhouse gas emissions by 2022/23.
Urban Heat Island Effect and Public Health
The urban heat island effect is a common occurrence in built up
areas throughout the world. The effect is created through typical
urban conditions, where there are large areas of hard surfaces that
absorb heat and release this heat into the atmosphere resulting
in increased temperatures. Human activity in urban areas also
adds to this effect. Exhausts from vehicles and emissions from air
conditioners and other energy uses contribute to this effect.
Whilst it is unknown what the potential impacts of climate change
will be, the urban heat island effect may worsen in which trees will
further help to mitigate this phenomenon.
On days of extreme heat, parts of a city can be 4 to 7 degrees
hotter than surrounding rural areas. With more areas of permeable
surfaces covered by grasses, shrubs and trees, impacts from the
urban heat island effect are significantly lower in rural areas.
Brimbank is particularly vulnerable to the Heat Island Effect with
60% of area being impervious surfaces such as roads, footpaths,
carparks and building roofs. In addition to this, Brimbank has a
strong car based culture where car exhausts add to the heat island
effect.
Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between Urban
Heat and increased numbers of ambulance call outs during
heat events of 34 degrees or more. A recent study by National
Climate Change Adaption Research Facility (NCCARF) and Monash
University shows several suburbs within the Brimbank municipality
area that are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. This vulnerability
is based on several factors including age, general health, ethnicity,
socio economic status, access to air conditioning, health service
accessibility, type of housing, urban design, land use, urban heat
island effect and strenuous physical activity such as hard work or
recreational activity. Refer Figures 1 and 2.
To mitigate the impacts of the heat island effect, Brimbank City
Council will commit to decreasing the amount of impervious
surfaces and increasing vegetation, particularly to provide shade in
the more urban areas of the municipality.
Brimbank faces several challenges in providing a liveable city for the community.
The implementation of an Urban Forest Strategy will help to mitigate the impacts
of heat, noise and pollution, while having a positive effect on the well-being of the
community.
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
15
ALBANVALE
ALBION
ARDEER
CAIRNLEA
CALDER
PARK
DEER PARK
DELAHEY
DERRIMUT
KEALBA
KEILOR
KEILOR
DOWNS
KEILOR
LODGE
KEILOR NORTH
KEILOR PARK
KINGS PARK
ST ALBANS
SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE
NORTH
SUNSHINE
WEST
SYDENHAM
BROOKLYN
TAYLORS
LAKES
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
ALBANVALE
ALBION
ARDEER
CAIRNLEA
CALDER
PARK
DEER PARK
DELAHEY
DERRIMUT
KEALBA
KEILOR
KEILOR
DOWNS
KEILOR
LODGE
KEILOR NORTH
KEILOR PARK
KINGS PARK
ST ALBANS
SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE
NORTH
SUNSHINE
WEST
SYDENHAM
BROOKLYN
TAYLORS
LAKES
NCCARF and Monash University study showing the
vulnerability index for all areas of Brimbank.
NCCARF and Monash University study showing the
ambulance call outs for all Brimbank areas on days of 34
degrees or more. This correlates with the above figure of
areas of high vulnerability.
10 - 9 (High Vulnerability)
8
7
5
4 (Low Vulnerability)
10 - 9 (High no. of ambulance callouts)
8
7
3 (Low no. of ambulance callouts)
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Figure 1: Vulnerability to heat index
Figure 2: Rate of ambulance call outs
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Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Why the Urban Forest Strategy is needed (cont.)
Pollution and Dust
Vegetation can play a major role in mitigating impacts from
pollution and dust (Barbara Maher 2013). Brimbank is exposed
to high levels of pollution through major transport routes and
industrial precincts such as Brooklyn.
In one year, a large tree can absorb 27 kilograms of pollutant from
the air. Brimbank City Council and residents must plant as many
trees as possible where appropriate to mitigate emissions and
create the most healthy and liveable environment possible for its
residents.
Trees and vegetation can also play a major role in trapping dust
from the air. Industrial areas such as Brooklyn in Brimbank’s south
have problems with dust from land fills and unsealed surfaces.
Species with waxy and pubescent leaves are best suited to
trapping dust from the air. Careful selection of species where dust
is an issue, is a major strategy in improving the environment of
these areas for the Brimbank community.
Flood Mitigation
Trees and other vegetation have the ability to reduce storm water
flows, toxins and nutrients that eventually end up in our waterways.
Healthy tree roots absorb the water and absorb nutrients such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and pollutants within rainfall
and reduce the amount from entering the storm water system.
Any permeable surface such as garden beds, grasslands, nature
strips, parks, green roofs, rain gardens, and wetlands will filter and
retain water and delay the time in which runoff into the storm
water system occurs, reducing the stress on the storm water
system. Water will absorb naturally into the ground, returning to
the water table rather than into the drainage system and into rivers
and waterways.
Brimbank currently has an ageing drainage system which is further
pressured due to infill development. These new developments rely
on existing storm water systems to take water away adding further
pressure to already stressed systems.
Further to the benefits of flood mitigation, permeable surfaces
do not trap and release heat and will reduce the impacts of the
heat island effect. They also provide the opportunity to improve
environmental outcomes such as planting shrubs and grasses
which can provide habitat and food for wildlife.
The benefits of Trees - Image produced for 1 million tree program, Greening the West 2016
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
17
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Wildlife
Trees, shrubs and other vegetation provide shelter and food for a
variety of wildlife. Using vegetation that seed and flower, is a vital
food source for many insects and birds that survive in Brimbank.
Increasing the amount of trees and shrubs will support wildlife
within Brimbank and improve our biodiversity.
In particular there are a number of native birds that are regularly
seen in Brimbank. Evidence shows that song birds originated
from Australia based on our unique species that produce food
for wildlife (Where Song Began, Tim Low 2013). This created
a competitive and aggressive environment for birds which is
threatened. It is important when implementing tree planting
through this strategy, we consider species that provide food and
habitat to maintain and increase the variety of birdlife within
Brimbank. This will contribute to creating ongoing engagement
between people and nature and encourage open space usage.
Noise
Brimbank has numerous major transport corridors which impact on
noise levels throughout the municipality. Vegetation has the ability
to absorb the impacts of noise. Dense tree buffers can reduce noise
levels by 5 to 8 decibels for every 30m of vegetation buffer (The
Arborday Foundation, 2010). Landscape buffers are a key element
of improving liveability in the municipality.
Wind
The majority of Brimbank is subject to prevailing winds. Trees have
an amazing ability to act as a wind break. Since western settlement,
farmers have used trees to act as wind breaks throughout the
municipality. Areas near Cairnlea still have remnants of tree use as
wind breaks in the landscape with strong stands of Sugar Gums
throughout the estate. Although this landscape has deteriorated
over time, the theory of using trees to mitigate for strong winds
once was strong and that understanding should be used today.
Planting strong rows of trees will reduce the effects of strong winds
throughout the municipality and create a more comfortable open
space environment.
Mitigating for wind can also impact on energy costs through
reducing drafts into homes. Generally, drafts account for an
average of 25% heat loss during winter and trees and other
vegetation can mitigate drafts in properties.
Amenity
Since adoption of Brimbank’s Creating Better Parks Policy and
Plan 2008, the Brimbank community has seen a large scale
change to its open space network. Part of this change has been
the implementation of a parks planting program which has
contributed to creating a cool, green and active park network.
Trees provide great amenity within a landscape and encourage
active use of open space. They also contribute to a sense of place,
identity and pride within the community which assists in fostering
healthy active lifestyles.
Active Lifestyles
Improving the quantity and quality of urban green spaces within
close proximity to residents can assist in promoting physical
activity. Street trees with broad canopy cover offer shade and
amenity that may encourage residents to utilise active means of
transport.
Well-serviced parks also provide opportunities for active and
passive recreation. Both have multiple flow-on health benefits,
including a reduction in obesity and an improvement in mental
wellbeing. (Greening the West Strategic Plan, 2013)
Why the Urban Forest Strategy is needed (cont.)
18
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Physical and Mental Health
Providing a greener and shaded urban environment encourages
physical activity. Shaded streets encourage walking and running.
Green, vegetated, well maintained parks and open spaces
encourage usage which can significantly improve the health of
the community. It can encourage walking, running, play, sport and
engaging with nature.
Greener urban environments and open spaces also contribute to
lower rates of psychological distress (Francis et al. 2013).
Research from Beyond Blue described a range of psychological
benefits for people who engaged with greener environments
including:
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Improvements in mood;
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Lower levels of anxiety;
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Lower levels of stress;
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Lower levels of depression; and
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Increased physical activity.
Open spaces are great places for social interactions which build
social cohesion within a community. This translates to feelings
of attachment and belonging that form the very foundations of
society.
(Greening the West Strategic Plan, 2013)
Economic
Although difficult to measure, there are several economic benefits
that an Urban Forest can provide for the community. These benefits
are now being understood and measuring these benefits will be
undertaken over the life of this strategy.
- Property values
Perth based research has shown that a tree located on the front
verge of a property increased the value of that property by
$16,000. (Elsevier 2012)
Brisbane based research also has shown that a leafy street with tree
cover of at least 50% increases the value of property in that street
on average by $29,000. (Lyndal Plant 2012)
Landscapes around properties are desired by people connecting
people to nature at their own home and have a direct impact on
increasing property values.
- Energy Cost Reduction
An Urban Forest can contribute to reducing the heat island effect,
therefore reducing the running costs of cooling homes and
businesses.
A strategically placed tree providing shade over impervious
surfaces and/or a property has the potential to reduce energy
usage, saving $100 per property annually (The Arborday
Foundation, 2012)
Annual energy conservation from California’s 177 million city trees
has been estimated to save utilities $500 million in wholesale
electricity and generation purchases (McPherson 2010).
- Health
Heat related illness is a major concern for people in the west of
Melbourne and in particular Brimbank. A strong Urban Forest can
assist in reducing the incidences of ambulance call outs and heat
related illness which also has positive economic benefits such as a
reduction in pressure on the health system and reduced sick leave.
Whilst this does not have a direct economic benefit to Brimbank,
these benefits will create a healthy resilient community which will
benefit Brimbank long term.
- Reduced Infrastructure Costs
Urban Forest elements such as rainwater tanks, trees, Water
Sensitive Urban Design treatments, swales and increase impervious
surfaces are more cost effective methods of dealing with rainfall
than traditional methods such as kerbs and drains. New York
City estimates a 40% reduction in costs using these methods to
capture rainfall than using traditional methods (NYC Environmental
Protection 2011).
Trees shading footpaths and roads can prolong the life of these
assets. The shade provided protects the asset from heat , reducing
cracking therefore enabling rate payer money to be used to benefit
the community in other ways.
Why the Urban Forest Strategy is needed (cont.)
Challenges in Developing an
Urban Forest
20
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Challenges in Developing an Urban Forest
To the moment of it’s final demise, the tree must compete through every second -
for water, for nutrients, light and space, fend off cold, heat, drought, flood, toxicity
and the host of parasites and predators of all conceivable kinds, not including
human intervention
All vegetation within Brimbank face challenges to thrive from
the moment the seed falls or the tree is planted. Brimbank has
unique climatic and geological conditions which create difficulty
in establishing vegetation, but also challenges created from the
constructed environment that compete with the Urban Forest for
space and resources.
Water
Perhaps the biggest challenge Brimbank faces to establish
a healthy Urban Forest is the availability of water for plant
establishment.
Rainfall figures from Melbourne Airport, located adjacent to
Brimbank, recorded 382mm of rain in 2014. Evapotranspiration in
the same period was recorded at 1486mm. At this location, more
water is being returned to the atmosphere than falls to the ground.
Seeking alternative water sources is crucial in plant establishment
and becomes critical in an Urban Forest system. Capturing
water from rainfall can be achieved through several methods.
Engineering of levels to divert water into swales and Water
Sensitive Urban Design pits (rain gardens) are a very visual
approach that can divert water to passively attenuate water,
irrigate vegetation whilst also providing an aesthetic function in
the landscape. Integrated design teams that include Landscape
Architects, Engineers, Horticulturalists and Environmental
specialists are working in street upgrades and car park designs to
maximise sustainable water outcomes.
Brimbank’s Sustainable Water Strategy 2013-2023 has enabled
Brimbank to imbed sustainable water practice in projects and it will
be considered for all projects and implemented where possible.
Green Gully Reserve is irrigated through the capture of storm
water which is treated, stored and used to irrigate sports fields as
required. This project has saved over 40 million litres each year
since installation.
The Revisalisation of Stony Creek, Project is a partnership project
between the federal Government, Brimbank City Council,
Melbourne Water, City West Water, Green Fleet, Places Victoria and
the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning which
will naturalise a part of the creek. This project will capture water
providing a sustainable water source for Brimbank to establish
trees in future. The project will through water and trees, provide a
cool, shaded open space for the community to enjoy.
Action: Continue to imbed sustainable water
design practices in all Council works and new
development
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
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Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Challenges in Developing an Urban Forest (cont.)
Historical Landscape Geology
The landscape within Brimbank is located on the Western Basalt
Plains which presents challenges in developing the Urban Forest.
Whilst not unique to Brimbank, prevailing winds, low rainfall and
low nutrient soils can be harsh conditions for establishing and
maintaining vegetation.
This can be a barrier to developing a highly diverse and resilient
Urban Forest as a limited number of species thrive in this unique
environment. Selecting a small range of plants that thrive in this
environment can also lead to a lack of diversity in the landscape.
This lack of diversity can make the Urban Forest susceptible to
pests and diseases and a large amount of vegetation would be lost
due to little variety in vegetation.
A diverse Urban Forest increases the resilience of an ecosystem to
respond and adapt to change while maintaining its core function
and character.
Historical Landscape Context
Prior to western settlement, Brimbank’s landscape was vastly
different, with grasslands dominating the landscape. Despite
ongoing urbanization, Brimbank retains critical patches of remnant
vegetation, which in turn provides crucial habitat for a range
of significant flora and fauna species present throughout the
municipality.
Grasslands are an important part of the Brimbank landscape
and are protected. Integrating grasslands and trees and other
vegetation without compromising each landscape type is required
to maximise biodiversity and liveability opportunities.
Maintenance and Management
To establish a healthy Urban Forest, there will be a significant
increase in the amount of trees that will require maintenance and
replacement.
To use trees as an example, Brimbank’s tree population on public
land is approximately 200,000 trees. If a 30% canopy cover was to
be achieved on public land, this would equate to a further 700,000
trees being planted which would require resources such as water,
staking, pruning and inspections to maintain and develop. This will
be a significant increase in resources required to maintain canopy
cover and will present Council with several resourcing challenges
to ensure the Urban Forest is able to thrive. However the benefits of
improved liveability are important for Brimbank. Maintenance costs
could be lowered over time through rethinking the management
of trees, in line with this strategy.
Action: Create a management structure to deliver
Urban Forest outcomes
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Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Integration with Infrastructure
Trees in the urban environment will inevitably conflict with
people and infrastructure. Trees will conflict with the need for new
buildings, residential streets, lighting, traffic lights, utility services
and paths which will create pressure on the tree to be pruned or
removed. It also creates pressure on the type of tree that can be
placed in the environment to integrate with services. Given the
importance of these trees for the reduction of the heat island
effect and increased amenity, Urban Design and Parks Services
are working with other Council departments to find alternative
solutions to issues such as damage to footpaths and restricted
access to footpaths.
The population of Brimbank has gradually increased with new infill
development. In this time the Urban Forest has gradually reduced
where in fact an increase in population requires the Urban Forest
to be increased to address the Heat Island Effect created by the
increased population
Brimbank City Council manages all trees with the intention to
retain them in their environment for as long as possible. This may
lead to specific maintenance actions that will differ from the way
other trees in the same area are maintained. Whilst some of these
actions may seem severe they are designed to retain the tree and
will not endanger the health of the tree.
More than a third of a tree is usually hidden beneath the ground.
Although they are hidden, the roots are vitally important in a
number of ways. Fine roots gather the water and nutrients the tree
needs to grow and survive, and these are carried through coarse,
woody roots to the stem. The coarse roots have the additional role
of supporting the tree and resisting the overturning force of the
wind on the crown of the tree.
In urban and suburban streets, tree roots are expected to survive
in narrow nature strips, the narrow space between buildings and
roads, under solid pavements, and they must grow through a
substrate that is often more rubble than soil. Amazingly, not only
do roots normally survive in this hostile environment, but they
explore its limits, continually pushing against the boundaries.
As they grow and thicken within their limited space, roots
can distort and destroy structures including walls, pipes and
pavements, causing damage in many tree-lined streets and
creating trip hazards.
Ignoring pavement damage is not an option for the Council,
especially where there is a risk of injury to pedestrians. Where
this issue has been identified, Council will work to ensure that
everything possible can be done to retain the tree. This may result
in solutions that are outside the normal methods but provide the
best possible option for both pedestrians and the retention of the
tree.
Development
It is important to integrate the Urban Forest through an effective
and considerate design response.
Open grassed areas can be seen as areas to develop to maximise
the capacity of a landscape for development purposes. The
perception of valuing the landscape to help improve the quality
of developments has improved but still requires further advocacy
from the Council for its protection and improvement.
Brimbank has found it a challenge to influence plantings within
developments and currently has a seemingly unplanned variety of
species it has inherited to maintain without any strategic approach.
Brimbank will work closely with developers to apply a vegetation
first approach to increase canopy cover to all developments and
also increase permeable surfaces to reduce heat island effect.
Challenges in Developing an Urban Forest (cont.)
Action: Develop tree pit and pavement design
guidelines to implement where trees integrate
with infrastructure
Wide nature strip in Taylors Lakes with little tree planting. Opportunity to
plant several trees to maximise canopy cover
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
23
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Action: Develop a Communications Plan to
promote the benefits of the Urban Forest to the
community
Social Challenges
Brimbank faces health and wellbeing challenges in which the
Urban forest can help to address through shading, cooling, carbon
sequestration and aesthetic improvement. However there are
challenges within Brimbank in developing a positive engagement
towards trees within the community. There is still some perception
that trees are dangerous and can be a nuisance for people in terms
of leaf litter and habitat for birds.
Public Perception, Values and Life Experiences
Brimbank is a diverse municipality with a variety of cultural beliefs.
This leads to many different views and attitudes towards trees and
other vegetation.
There are numerous reasons for disliking trees in the urban
environment which may include obstructing views, poor television
reception, leaves clogging gutters, blocking light, damage to
pavements and walls, the nuisance of possums and other fauna
and bird droppings on cars. Groundcover vegetation and long
grass can also be perceived as attracting snakes which in reality, is
only a concern near waterways.
There is also the misconception that trees, especially many
Eucalyptus species, drop limbs regularly and are a public hazard.
Whilst limb drop does occur, it is rare and risk is kept low through
good planting design and management practices.
Whilst all these concerns are valid the larger view of Brimbank is
to create a healthy liveable environment for its residents and the
development of trees and vegetation is a critical factor in achieving
this.
Brimbank City Council has developed a program and website called
‘Branch Out Brimbank’ which provides information on the benefits
of trees and encourages the community to become involved in
supporting and improving Brimbanks’ Urban Forest. See http://
branchout.brimbank.vic.gov.au/
Education
The importance of a healthy and vibrant Urban Forest is not
generally understood by the public. Whilst trees are generally
understood as being important for oxygen production, there
is very little further understanding of the benefits of trees and
vegetation within an urban landscape.
Therefore as Brimbank is changing the way the urban landscape
functions, there can be resistance from the community as there is
little understanding as to why landscapes are being changed in
this way. This can be addressed by Council with regular community
engagement events to promote, educate and discuss Urban forest
issues with the community.
Vandalism
Vandalism of the Urban Forest takes form in many ways. This can
include obvious vandalism such as destroying or stealing newly
planted trees or shrubs to slowly killing a tree by poison. Providing
an understanding of the benefits of trees and vegetation to the
community will help to protect the Urban Forest going forward.
Private Land
Private land accounts for the majority of land ownership in the
Brimbank area. Whilst Council develop and improve the Urban
Forest on land it manages, it currently has limited control on
private land such as residential and industrial areas.
Private land owners must be engaged in the development of the
Urban Forest. Without the Urban Forest on private land, Brimbank
will not be able to achieve 30% canopy cover to improve liveability.
There will also be the potential for reduced permeability such as
paving for driveways, parking and outdoor areas.
Challenges in Developing an Urban Forest (cont.)
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Brimbank’s Urban Forest
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26
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Brimbank’s Urban Forest Today
Brimbank’s current canopy cover is 6.2%, just over one fifth of the canopy cover
required to create a healthy, liveable city
Trees
Brimbank City Council currently manages a tree population of
approximately 200,000 trees. These include trees on roads, parks
and Council land. Species are predominately from the Myrtaceae
family with native and indigenous species. All trees on Brimbank
managed streets are surveyed for species and condition but
there is currently no information on trees on all open spaces. This
presents challenges in firstly understanding our Urban Forest
make up and building on this knowledge to develop a liveable
environment.
Canopy Cover
It is recommended that a 30% canopy cover is required for a
healthy, liveable city. The current canopy cover of Brimbank is 6.2%
which is the third lowest in the State of Victoria. More established
areas such as Sunshine, Albion and Keilor have a higher canopy
cover than newer areas of the municipality such as Derrimut and
Sydenham which were built on grassland plain areas which had
very little tree cover prior to development.
Whilst Brimbank was originally a grassland landscape, human
intervention has created a constructed environment throughout
the municipality which adaptation is required to ensure Brimbank
continues to be a liveable city. To ensure a liveable future for the
community, further tree planting must be implemented.
To achieve a canopy cover of 30% within the next 30 years, a
further 700,000 trees will need to be planted within the next 10
years and grow to a mature tree with a canopy of at least 12 meters
in diameter. This figure is nearly a 5 times increase in Brimbanks
current tree population not including trees on private property.
This presents challenges going forward to create a liveable
Brimbank, however a committed approach to Urban Forestry
is required. The Council will not be able to do this alone, and
will need the support of residents, business and government
authorities to grow, maintain and protect the Urban Forest.
Brimbank has already benefitted from Federal Government
investment through 20 million trees program. 200,000 trees will be
planted in Brimbank which maximise planting in Brimbank’s open
space network.
Distribution of Canopy Cover
Canopy cover throughout Brimbank is inconsistent throughout the
municipality. Plains Grassland would have once overed the entire
municipality, historical land use and grazing contributed to the lack
of canopy cover prior to residential and industrial development.
Areas such as Sunshine and Keilor contain a more established and
a dense Urban Forest compared to other areas of the municipality.
Even though canopy cover is more established in these areas,
Sunshine has a canopy cover of around 15% (Refer Figure 3) and
will still need to be doubled to improve liveability outcomes.
Canopy cover in the newer areas of Brimbank is poor. Derrimut,
which was established around 10 years ago has a canopy cover
of around 3% (Refer Figure 5). Approximately 99% of this canopy
cover is provided on public land with approximately 150 trees
providing shade on private land. This low percentage of canopy
cover create a suburb vulnerable to heat. Whilst the potential for
a higher canopy cover is provided as street and park trees grow
over time, a lack of trees on private land will only allow the canopy
cover throughout Derrimut to reach 10%. This is not only relevant
for Derrimut as other areas throughout Brimbank will struggle to
achieve suitable canopy cover unless trees are planted on private
land.
Action: Increase tree planting programs on public
and private land to achieve 30% canopy cover
throughout the municipality by 2046
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
27
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Figure 3:
Figure Ground representation of Sunshine’s canopy cover. Dark areas show canopy cover distribution on public and private land. White areas are areas not
shaded by trees
28
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Figure 4:
Figure Ground representation of Derrimut’s canopy cover clearly showing young small trees provided on streets with little canopy cover on private land
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
29
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Shrubs and Groundcovers
Brimbank currently has a shrub coverage of 2.8% . Shrubs also play
an important role in the Urban Forest. Shrubs provide food and
shelter for wildlife, adding to the presentation of the municipality.
The majority of the shrub layer within Brimbank is located on
private land. There are several examples where residents have
embraced strong landscapes within their properties contributing
to good Urban Forest outcomes. This should be further encouraged
and Council will support residents increasing vegetation on private
land. With only a small amount of parks and open spaces using
shrubs in the landscape, opportunities for wildlife to inhabit our
open spaces are limited.
Grass and Bare Ground
Brimbank’s has large areas of grass or bare ground which totals
49.5% of the municipality. Whilst Brimbank does have a number
of grassland areas which are managed in a sustainable way and
contributing to the biodiversity of Brimbank, there is a high
percentage of areas in which grassed areas are heavily mown
which do not maximise their contribution to the environment.
Grassed areas can play a significant role in absorbing carbon from
the atmosphere however heavily mown areas release more carbon
into the atmosphere than is absorbed. Heavily mown areas do
however play a role on the open space experience, enabling sport
and passive recreation.
Maintaining more areas with longer grass will create habitat
through the promotion of native grasses and also reduce the
amount of carbon released into the atmosphere through reduced
mowing and management of the area. Grassland areas will also
provide habitat and food for Brimbanks vulnerable species
Brimbank’s Urban Forest Today (cont.)
Diamond Avenue Reserve, Albanvale is typical of many open spaces
within Brimbank with little tree canopy cover, shrub planting and highly
maintained grassed areas.
Action: Increase unmown areas of native grasses
and investigate mowing frequencies to allow for
increased biodiversity in parks and open spaces
Action: Increase areas of groundcover and shrub
planting to 5%
After planting at Diamond Avenue Reserve, the space is transformed with
avenue planting which will in future provide shade to the path network
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Kororoit Creek
Developing the Urban Forest
32
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Developing the Urban Forest
By 2046 Brimbank aims to increase tree planting to achieve a canopy cover to 30%
and increase permeability to 50%
Canopy Cover in the Streetscape
As stated early in this strategy, developing a canopy cover of
30% provides the recommended canopy cover for a liveable city.
Canopy cover will provide shade to reduce the heat island and
enable the Brimbank community to enjoy a more active outdoor
lifestyle.
To assist in the reduction of the heat island effect, Brimbank will
wherever possible, create tree lined streetscapes that maximises
shade over all impervious surfaces such as roads and pavements.
This will also create shade for adjacent homes and business which
will assist in reducing cooling costs during times of extreme heat.
There are several challenges in maximising canopy cover on
Brimbank streets. Trees can be in competition for space with
infrastructure such as powerlines, drains, buildings and transport.
When these conditions are present, trees will still be planted to
maximise canopy cover but may not reach the desired outcome of
shading all impervious surfaces.
Where opportunities present themselves, extra spaces for tree
planting and vegetation will be created. Implementing simple
treatments such as a central median on wide roads, or a small
kerb outstand garden bed to plant a tree away from existing
infrastructure will help create maximum shade cover on these
surfaces.
Streets with a strong tree character will contribute to a sense of
place in the daily lives of the community. An abundance of richly
treed streetscapes will help to provide Brimbank with a readily
identifiable landscape that has the potential to additional pride
within the municipality.
INSERT NICE CANOPY COVER ON STREET IMAGE FROM ELWOOD
Deciduous trees provide shade in summer and light in winter. This street in
Elwood, maximises canopy cover over the road through careful pruning and
shaping of trees
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
33
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Where there is a wide road, a central median will be created to accommodate a large tree to maximise canopy
Where no powerlines are present, only large trees are to be planted
Roads Without Overhead Infrastructure
Roads without overhead infrastructure such as powerlines
present the greatest opportunity to increase canopy cover. Careful
consideration to underground and surface infrastructure during
species selection will minimise the likelihood of damage as the tree
matures.
Several roads throughout these areas also contain central medians
which provide further opportunity for canopy cover.
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
34
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Where there are powerlines on one side of the road, a small tree will be planted underneath the powerlines to provide some canopy cover and a large tree on the other
Where powerlines are present, only small trees are to be planted
Roads With Overhead Infrastructure
Roads with overhead infrastructure such as powerlines can restrict
tree planting and reduce the amount of canopy cover that can be
provided. Where these conditions exist, the largest tree possible
will be planted underneath the powerlines without impacting on
them.
In some situations where wide roads are present, it may be possible
to create a new built out garden bed in the road reserve to plant
a tree away from the powerlines, maximising canopy cover on the
streetscape.
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
35
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Where the road is wide enough, a kerb outstand will be constructed to allow for a large tree to planted away from powerlines
Canopy Cover in Streetscape - What can be achieved in Brimbank
Streets in newly developed areas have no overhead services which
allow for large street trees to be planted. With careful species
selection, there is opportunity to create a canopy cover of 70% -
100% along streetscapes where the canopy of trees would shade
roads, footpaths and also contribute to the shading of private
property.
Older areas of Brimbank generally contain overhead services
on one side of the road. These streetscapes have the potential
to achieve a canopy cover of 30% - 50% with careful street tree
planting.
A small number of streets within Brimbank contain overhead
services on both sides of the road. Species will be used to create a
strong colourful landscape character that also maximises canopy
cover.
Canopy Cover in Urban Parks and Open Spaces
Urban parks and open spaces with high canopy cover provide
many benefits to the community. A well shaded green park
attracts people to the space and provides a more comfortable
and enjoyable environment for people to recreate. There will also
be opportunities to create habitat for wildlife and therefore also
enable the community to further experience nature within the park
network.
Whilst it is important to maintain manicured open grassed areas
in urban parks for passive recreation such as sports and running
activities, Brimbank urban parks are generally large enough to
accommodate numerous activities such as informal sport, play,
walking and exploring nature. Council will increase canopy cover
in urban parks to 50% to create a shaded environment to explore
parks and open spaces.
Other parks in Brimbank such as conservation areas and grasslands
provide a different experience to connect with nature. These parks
reflect indigenous landscapes which retain features of the original
landscape and would not be appropriate for further tree planting.
This provides the community the opportunity to connect with
native vegetation and to understand the natural heritage of the
Brimbank area.
Canopy Cover in Private Land
Creating canopy cover on private land is one of the most effective
ways to reduce the impacts of the heat island effect and reduce
cooling costs for residents.
A tree on private land that shades the roof of a property or hard
paved surfaces such as driveways will decrease heat absorbed
within these surfaces and therefore reduce overall ambient
temperatures. When this occurs on private property, there is clear
reduction in the temperatures immediately on the property and
reduces the need for cooling on days of extreme temperatures.
Action: Ensure tree planting in urban parks and
open spaces to achieves 50% canopy cover
Action: Develop area based street tree master
plans to guide all future tree planting to maximise
canopy cover and street character
Action: Make available free trees for residents
to plant on their own properties and provide
information on best practice maintenance
techniques at park events
36
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Figure 6:
Small section of Derrimut showing existing canopy cover of 1%
Figure 7:
Same section of Derrimut with projected growth of canopy in 2045. Maximum 6% canopy cover is possible without further planting
Canopy Cover Case Study - The Derrimut Example
The following images represent two scenarios for canopy cover in
a small section of Derrimut. Figure 6 and 7 represent the current
canopy of Derrimut and its projected cover in 30 years time if no
action was taken to increase canopy cover
Figures 8 and 9 show the progression of canopy cover of tree
planting was maximised on Council and private land, achieving a
30% canopy cover in the area by 2045
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
37
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Figure 8:
Maximising semi advanced tree planting on publicly owned land and encouraging owners of private land to plant a tree in the front and backyards of all properties will increase
canopy cover immediately to 5%
Figure 9:
By maximising tree planting in line with this strategy, this section of Derrimut will have a canopy cover of 30% by 2045.
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
38
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Trees and Grasslands
All land throughout Brimbank is situated on Western Basalt
Plains, in which grasslands were the dominant landscape. These
grasslands have gradually decreased with urban development
which has altered the environment in Brimbank. Currently only
320 hectares of actively managed grasslands remain. Through
urbanisation, the need has arisen to increase canopy cover to
ensure the city is liveable.
The strategy proposes to protect existing native grasses in line
with Brimbank’s Biodiversity strategy and also integrate them into
the landscape in a way that canopy cover, grasses, grasslands and
liveability are not compromised. To ensure canopy is maximised
and grasses and grasslands are also protected, the following detail
is provided to show how trees and grassland areas can integrate
into the landscape. This diagram allows for trees to be planted to
create a buffer between maintained open space and the grassland
area, and also using an area of grass that is maintained irregularly
to increase the buffer between open space and grasslands.
Action: Integrate open space grassland areas
into the open space landscape through tree and
vegetation planting
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Open Space
Large tree
buffer
Grass mown
2 times a
year
Managed
grassland
area
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
39
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM)
Integrated Water Cycle Management is a whole-of-water-cycle
approach to the sustainable management of all water sources that
optimises the opportunities considering all aspects of the water
cycle at multiple scales.
Using an IWCM approach provides opportunities for water usage to
be minimised and also reused to maintain a healthy vibrant urban
forest. These can include Water Sensitive Urban Design, Green Walls
and Roofs, water tanks and swales and more sustainable methods
to irrigate them.
Waterways
Waterway health can be managed through vegetation
management and contribute landscape amenity throughout the
Urban Forest. Healthy waterways encourage wildlife and also
people to enjoy active lifestyles.
Planting near waterways should remain indigenous to protect the
integrity of the waterway landscape. Planting should transition
from indigenous to gradually a landscape that meets Urban Forest
outcomes of canopy and habitat.
Water Sensitive Urban Design
A major element of sustainable water use is implementing Water
Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) throughout the municipality.
WSUD aims to protect and improve waterway health by mimicking
the natural water cycle as closely as possible. This equates to water
draining through constructed systems of vegetation and filtration
to water managed planted systems and reduce the amount of
water from entering drainage systems. Water is used for plants
and also attenuates metals and toxins from entering the drainage
system and eventually natural water systems.
Brimbank commonly use WSUD systems on roads to filter water
before entering drains. These systems also have the added benefit
of increasing permeability and reducing hard surfaces on roads
which has an impact on heat island.
Action: Continue to implement IWCM and WSUD
opportunities where feasible to support Sustainable
Water Management Strategy targets
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Duke St Reserve car park using water runoff from road and car park to passively irrigate
groundcovers and trees within the constructed swale
40
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Padley Park Community Gardens, St Albans
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Streets as Conduits
Increased shading and vegetation on streets creates a comfortable,
shaded and aesthetic environment to walk. Shaded streets that
connect to destinations such as schools, urban villages and open
spaces encourage walking to these facilities.
A walkable Brimbank is a key element in improving liveability and
encourage a healthy, active community.
Maximising Canopy
Whilst all existing trees benefit the Urban Forest by providing
shade, some trees when they mature, may not be maximising
canopy cover in the space in which they are situated. Brimbank
will, where appropriate, remove trees in locations where there is
an opportunity to plant a tree that will grow larger at maturity,
maximising shade in that space.
Urban Agriculture
Public land can develop a variety of open spaces uses, including
play, nature, grassland and urban agriculture. There is interest from
the community in developing areas throughout the municipality
for urban agriculture. Urban agriculture focuses on growing
food locally, and encouraging the community to work together.
This fosters community pride of place and belonging which are
important attributes to achieving a strong resilient community.
Urban agriculture supports the Urban Forest through encouraging
species that aid in pollination which creates food for birds. It also
increases the diversity of the urban forest through a range of tree
and shrub species and involves our community in healthy living
practices. Water is also trapped and used for productive purposes,
reducing storm water runoff.
There are many parcels of land and naturestrips within the
municipality that will not be developed, this creates an opportunity
for food growing, provided they are managed by the community
and work with the functionality of the context of the space.
Action: Support community led food growing
opportunities on publicly owned vacant land
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
41
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Nature Strips
Nature strips are an underutilised area in Brimbank. Many nature
strips have been gravelled by residents for ease of maintenance or
to be used illegally as car parking. Returning nature strips to ‘nature’
that are currently hard surfaces will provide a large increase in
permeability and decrease impacts of heat island effect. A nature
strip vegetated with groundcovers and shrubs will provide food
and habitat for wildlife and reduce the amount of water entering
Brimbanks drainage system and waterways.
Brimbank’s current shrub layer of 2.8% could increase significantly
if residents appropriated their nature strips for shrub planting. If
20,000 homes planted shrubs in nature strips, an increase of 1% of
shrub population would be created.
Trees for Wildlife
Trees can provide habitat and food for wildlife. Brimbank will plant
tree species to ensure that wildlife has the opportunity to flourish
in Brimbank.
Trees should also be proposed to allow for wildlife to connect to
more natural systems. Certain tree species can be used in areas
where it is possible to provide uninterrupted plantings that
connect to natural systems such as waterways and grasslands.
When considering species for planting, ensure that opportunities
to connect are utilised whilst also considering maximised canopy
cover.
Action: Revise Brimbank’s nature strip guidelines
and make available to the community through
various media
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Action: Develop baseline to measure
improvement of naturestrips
Nature strip planting in Taylors Lakes
42
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Road Surface Area Reduction
There are several opportunities to reduce the amount of
impervious paving throughout Brimbank by reducing road widths
and replacing with vegetation or other permeable surfaces. Wide
roads have the potential to contain medians with trees planted
through WSUD and also integrate pedestrian and cycle friendly
infrastructure that is also vegetated.
Various Council Departments including, Urban Design, Parks
Services, Engineering Services, City Planning and Environment
will collaborate on all projects to deliver the best outcome for the
Urban Forest for each project, whilst still maintaining its functional
need.
Residential Development
Brimbank has already made progress to create better landscape
outcomes which includes residential developers being required to
include tree planting within the development. Two lot subdivisions
will be required to plant 2 medium trees in the front of the
property and a small tree to the rear of the property to shade
surfaces and reduce heat island impacts. The developer will also
be encouraged to provide permeable surfaces such as permeable
paving, rain gardens and grassed areas to minimise water entering
into the Brimbank drainage system. This amendment to the
Planning scheme will ensure strong Urban Forest outcomes for
new development.
Brimbank will also encourage further environmental design
principles such as Green Roofs, Green Walls and other vegetative
features that help to mitigate the impacts of heat in residential
areas
Commercial Development
The impact of commercial development on the Urban Forest
will be further challenged within areas of Brimbank, in particular
Sunshine and St Albans, will be subject to large amounts of
development over the next 30 years through its designation as a
National Employment Cluster by the State Government. This will
provide increasing pressure on open space, infrastructure, services
and further contribution to the heat island effect.
Brimbank will encourage developers to look at more sustainable
approaches to their development that meet Urban Forest
principals. Development should provide a green or brown roof
to reduce hard surface trapping and releasing heat and also to
capture and minimise water from entering the drainage system.
The developer will be encouraged to provide a benefit to the
community such as a green walls or WSUD treatments to again
reduce heat island impacts.
At this stage, there are no green roofs or walls located within
Brimbank.
The following will be encouraged:
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Green Infrastructure to reduce heat island effect;
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Methods to reuse water and reduce the amount of water
from entering the drainage system.
Action: Identify opportunities to reduce road
widths to reduce the amount of impervious
surfaces and maximise large canopy trees
Developing the Urban Forest (cont.)
Action: Ensure Planning outcomes adhere to
Amendment C158
Action: Develop Environmental Design Brochure
to encourage use of green infrastructure in new
development
Protecting Our Urban Forest
44
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Protecting Our Urban Forest
With a current canopy cover of only 6.2%, protecting what we have is just as
important.
Protecting Existing Council Owned Trees
The Council will seek to avoid tree removal on Council land
wherever possible. However removal is sometimes unavoidable
and can be an acceptable management option to maintain a
healthy Urban Forest. Trees will only be removed when one or more
of the following criteria are met:
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Dead, Dying, Diseased or Dangerous that has the
potential to cause damage to infrastructure or is a safety
concern;
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The tree or group of trees in the authorised officers
opinion, severely interferes with a neighbouring tree or
tree group that neither tree can develop into its
full potential. The more desirable tree will be preserved;
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The tree is proven to be substantially contributing to
damage to public or private property and there is no
other viable means to rectify the situation.
In all of the above scenarios, tree removal will be the last resort. All
other options will be considered and the tree will only be removed
if there is no other option
Trees will not be removed to address the following issues:
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Tree blocking light or creating shade;
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Tree blocking solar panels from working effectively;
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Interference with television or satellite dish reception;
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Nuisance from insects or other non hazardous wildlife;
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Droppings from roosting birds;
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Leaf, fruit, nut, flower and seed fall;
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Pollen;
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Tree is considered to be too large by the complainant.
Surveying
Brimbank last surveyed trees in 2008. Since this time, trees have
developed and a new survey is required to be undertaken to
capture a full understanding of our urban forest makeup.
The previous survey did not account for trees in open space and
this must be surveyed to provide this full understanding. Once
all trees are surveyed, Brimbank has the opportunity to fully
understand diversity of tree species, health, canopy cover, carbon
sequestering ability and flood mitigation capability so we can plan
for the Urban Forests protection and development.
Tree Protection Plans (TPP)
As Brimbank is developing, areas are transitioning into a more
urban environment through infill development. There are
numerous times when trees are susceptible to damage and
removal to reduce the complexity of construction projects.
Wherever trees are within 50m of any construction area, a Tree
Protection Plan (TPP) will be submitted by the contractors showing
how all trees will be protected near the construction site.
A TTP will include, but not be limited to details of fencing to the
drip line of a tree, mulching to preserve moisture, parking and
movement patterns to ensure no further compaction to the root
systems, necessary pruning and construction methodology to
ensure avoidance of trees. Construction plans must demonstrate
for all retained trees that Australian Standard Tree Protection Zones
can be achieved during and post construction.
A tree will only be pruned, or excavation will be undertaken near
a tree with the approval and supervision of an authorised Council
Officer.
Action: Develop and make available to the
community Brimbank’s Tree Protection Policy and
‘Your rights to trees’
Action: Survey all Council owned trees
Action: Develop Tree Protection Plan Guidelines
Action: Investigate options to record all trees on
private land
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
45
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Infrastructure Renewal
Brimbank is an area with a high amount of infrastructure that is in
need of renewal. Infrastructure such as drains, footpaths and other
essential items co-exist with trees and need to continue to exist
together to ensure a liveable municipality.
When renewal is required, the tree will remain in its place and all
renewal must be worked around the tree where possible. A Tree
Protection Plan will be provided for all works, including those done
by Council, for approval by an authorised officer.
It is the responsibility of the designer to produce creative solutions
to ensure trees are retained in the landscape using current best
practice construction and protection techniques.
Residential and Commercial Development
All development proposals in Brimbank will consider and protect
all existing trees and significant vegetation and incorporate
these elements in their design. All options must be considered to
preserve all trees on the site.
Only trees that meet the criteria set out in the previous section will
be considered for removal. A full arborists report must be provided
detailing the species, size, condition of all trees, and management
recommendations to preserve them or recommendations to
further improve Urban Forest outcomes.
Protecting Significant and Cultural Trees
Brimbank has a strong cultural heritage in which there is a strong
engagement to the land and trees which must be acknowledged
and protected.
There are also a number of trees throughout the municipality
which are critical to the character of areas. The landscapes of
Keilor Village and Cairnlea provide unique character with historical
significance which should be protected. Further to this there are
areas which tall beautiful trees both on public and private land that
if removed would be detrimental to the character and environment
of this area.
Brimbank will explore mechanisms through Local Laws and
Planning to protect trees that are integral to the Urban Forest
Community Engagement
Community understanding and engagement in the Urban Forest is
perhaps the most important step in protecting and developing the
Urban Forest.
If the community understand the importance of an Urban Forest
system, there is the potential for the felling of trees on private land
to be reduced. This will also reduce the pressure on publicly own
trees to be removed or pruned which are perceived to be causing
a nuisance. Council must promote the positive benefits and beauty
of trees through various channels to ensure that the message is
reaching the community.
The community are also our eyes and ears on the ground and see
and report vandalism to vegetation. Council will react swiftly to
any vandalism reported and will prosecute anyone to be proven to
have vandalised trees.
The community can also play a strong part in the development of
the Urban Forest through tree planting and advocating for good
Urban Forest and environmental outcomes.
Action: Explore mechanisms to protect existing
trees
Action: Promote the value of the Urban Forest to
community through Council media outlets and
community groups and networks
Action: Implement a ‘My Favourite Tree’ app
for the community to promote significant and
unique trees throughout Brimbank
Action: Develop an ‘Adopt a Tree’ program
Protecting our Urban Forest (cont.)
Action: Strengthen relationships with local
environmental and friends of groups to advocate
for the Urban Forest
Action: Continue to develop and support Branch
Out Brimbank
46
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Education
Further to community engagement, education is also an important
factor in developing and protecting the Urban Forest. Whilst we
will encourage the community to participate in improving the
Urban Forest, providing an understanding of its importance will
further help to protect it.
A strong emphasis will be placed on providing an understanding
of the importance of the Urban Forest to school age children.
This approach will help to future proof the Urban Forest and for
the next generation to be the advocates for good Urban Forest
outcomes in future.
Species Diversity
Brimbank’s Urban Forest is extremely vulnerable with little species
diversity. Although at this stage we do not know the true make
up of our Urban Forest, it is quite clear that the majority of trees
are from the Myrtaceae family. This creates vulnerability as there is
potential for a disease to affect trees in the Myrtaceae family and
completely destroy the majority of our Urban Forest.
It is recommended that an Urban Forest is to have no more 30%
of a particular family. Once Brimbank’s tree population is fully
understood through surveying, species selection for new and
replacement plantings will by guided by existing species to
provide a variety of trees throughout the Brimbank landscape.
This however presents difficulty as Brimbank’s unique conditions
restrict the type of trees that can be planted and the percentage
may need to be increased in the future.
The sourcing of trees from a variety of seed sources is also
important to ensure we maintain genetic diversity in the Urban
Forest. This diversity will contribute to the long term resiliency of
the Urban Forest.
Tree Valuation
Brimbank aims to protect and value all trees within the
municipality. However, we understand that many areas of
Brimbank have been identified as areas that will be developed. This
immediately creates conflict as many development sites will be
require tree removal.
Whilst it is Brimbank’s intention to protect all trees, there is an
understanding that due to these outside pressures, that some
trees may have to be removed. Brimbank will work to maintain and
increase numbers in these situations
Tree Valuation methodologies currently exist and are widely
accepted and implemented as a tool to understand the true value
of a tree and seek compensation for the loss of the tree.
Brimbank will adopt the Revised Burnley Method to value trees and
use this as the tool for compensation. Compensation received from
this method will be used to fund tree planting projects nearby the
affected area to ensure that the long term impacts of the loss of
that tree are minimised for the local community.
Shrub and Groundcover Renewal
Brimbank’s Urban Forest shrubs and groundcovers are critical to
the Urban Forest system. These will be maintained to horticultural
best practice to ensure they are providing the best possible
environmental and aesthetic benefit to the community.
Shrubs and groundcovers however generally have a life cycle of
approximately 10-15 years, depending on the species planted.
Brimbank will ensure that these plants are maintained to the best
possible standards and renewed when required to ensure the best
outcomes are achieved.
Action: Organise educational excursions for
schools which promote the importance of the
Urban Forest and encourage its protection for
future generations
Protecting our Urban Forest (cont.)
Action: Increase species diversity through
planting no more than 50% of the same family
and introduce more families into the Urban Forest
Action: Adopt Revised Burnley Method
throughout the Council as a compensation tool
for loss of trees
Action: Develop shrub and groundcover asset
plans to maintain and enhance these assets
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
47
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Grassland Protection
Brimbank supports over 500 indigenous plant species and 196
animal species. Many of these are considered rare, threatened, or
endangered. Many of these plants and animals form part of the
Plains Grasslands ecosystem which are critically endangered with
less than 1% remaining across Victoria. Whilst greatly diminished
and under threat, they are functioning ecosystems that contributes
to both biodiversity and the urban fabric in Brimbank.
Existing grasslands are preserved and enhanced to ensure the
protection of these valuable and diverse landscapes. Urban Design,
Parks Services and Environment will work together to ensure
their protection whilst also maximising canopy cover adjacent
to these sites to ensure both liveability, biodiversity and species
connectivity are enhanced.
Protecting our Urban Forest (cont.
Paramount Estate Grasslands
King Parrot, Kororoit Creek - Photo by Robert Jackson
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Action Plan
Strategic Direction
1. Develop community awareness and understanding of the
benefits of trees and the urban forest
2. Protect the existing urban forest.
3. Develop a diverse urban forest and increase canopy cover
to 30% by 2046.
4. Increase permeable surfaces to 50% through Water
Sensitive Urban Design and vegetated walls and roofs.
5. Provide industry leading management of the urban forest
50
Brimbank City Council
Urban Forest Strategy Actions Summary
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Strategic Direction
Action
Who (Potential Partners)
When
Develop community
awareness and
understanding of the
benefits of trees and the
urban forest.
Promote the value of an Urban Forest to the
community and schools through workshops and
tours of the municipality.
Urban Design, Environment, Media
and Communications, Community
Planning and Engagement
2016-19
Continue to develop ‘Branch Out Brimbank’ website
and program to promote the benefits of trees to the
community
Media and Communications,
Urban Design, Community
Planning and Engagement
Ongoing
Strengthen relationships with local environmental
and friends groups to advocate for the Urban Forest
Urban Design, Environment,
Community Planning and
Engagement
Ongoing
Develop a communications plan to promote the
benefits of the Urban Forest to the community
Urban Design, Environment, Media
and Communications, Community
Planning and Engagement
2016-17
Implement a ‘My Favourite Tree’ app. for community
members to promote significant and unique trees
throughout Brimbank
Urban Design, Media and
Communications, Parks Services,
The Brimbank Community
2016-17
Develop a list of interesting and significant trees Urban Design, Parks Services,
Media and Communications
2016-17
Develop an ‘Adopt a Tree’ program
Urban Design, Parks Services
2017-18
Introduce a Tree Warden program where trained
community members can report tree issues such as
condition, disease and vandalism to a designated
Council officer
Urban Design, Parks Services
2017-18
Protect the existing
Urban Forest
Survey all Council owned trees
Asset Services, Parks Services,
Community Volunteers
2016-18
Investigate options to record all trees on private land Asset Services, Urban Design, City
Strategy
2016-18
Develop comprehensive tree protection guidelines in
accordance with Australian Standard (AS4970)
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-18
Develop tree protection guidelines for all
construction works to be included with any
construction project
Urban Design, Parks Services
2015-16
Revise Street Tree Policy to incorporate all publicly
owned trees
Urban Design, Parks Services
2015-16
Enforce Tree Value calculation for all trees proposed
to be removed
Urban Design, Parks Services, City
Planning
Ongoing
Explore mechanisms to protect existing trees on
private land
City Strategy, Urban Design, City
Planning. Local Laws
2016-2020
Develop and make available to the community
information regarding rights of trees in terms of
overhang, utility company rights
Urban Design, Parks Services,
Community Planning and
Engagement, Customer Service
2016-17
Adopt revised Burnley Method
Urban Design, City Planning
2016-17
Develop a register of all Council owned trees that
have failed and replace all failed trees during the
next tree planting season (April - September)
Parks Services
Ongoing
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
51
Urban Forest Strategy Action Plan Summary (Cont.)
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Strategic Direction
Action
Who (Potential Partners)
When
Develop a diverse urban
forest and increase
canopy cover to 30% by
2046.
Plant 700,000 trees on public and private land to
ensure we are able to achieve 30% canopy cover
Urban Design, Parks Services,
Environment, City Planning
2016-2046
Increase species diversity through planting no more
than 50% of the same family and introduce more
families into the Urban Forest
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-2021
Develop species list of appropriate trees that will
adapt to the Brimbank environment and minimise
maintenance requirements
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-17
Make available free trees for residents to plant on
their own properties and provide information on
best practice maintenance techniques at park events
Urban Design
Ongoing
Achieve average 50% canopy cover on all parks and
open spaces where appropriate
Urban Design, Parks Services
Ongoing
Increase shrub layer to 5% throughout the
municipality
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-2046
Develop Boulevard Master Plans for all major routes
within Brimbank in line with the MPA Boulevard
Strategy
Urban Design
2017-18
Support community led food growing opportunities Urban Design, City Strategy,
Community Planning and
Engagement
Ongoing
Update Landscape Guidelines for small residential
subdivided land to provide guidance to developers
of basic landscape requirements that contribute
aesthetically and environmentally to the municipality
Urban Design, City Strategy
2016-17
Develop tree planting master plans for all areas of
Brimbank to achieve maximum canopy cover on
all streets and provide neighbourhood character
through trees and vegetation
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-18
Continue to investigate further opportunities
to expand on the street tree program including
developing centre medians for planting, street
narrowing and kerb out stands.
Urban Design, Engineering
Services
2016-2020
Develop tree pit and pavement design guide for
areas where new trees have the potential to conflict
with other publicly owned and private assets
Urban Design, Engineering
Services
2016-17
Create asset management plan for replacement of
shrubs throughout the municipality
Urban Design, Parks Services,
Asset Services
2017-18
Increase areas of unmown areas to decrease carbon
emissions and improve biodiversity
Urban Design, Parks Services
2016-2021
Ensure Planning outcomes adhere Amendment C158 Urban Design, City Strategy
Ongoing
Revise Nature strip guidelines and develop baseline
to measure improvement of naturestrips
Urban Design
2016-17
Integrate residential and grassland areas more
effectively through tree and vegetation planting
Urban Design, Environment, Parks
Services
2016-2021
52
Brimbank City Council
Strategic Direction
Action
Who (Potential Partners)
When
Increase permeable
surfaces to 50% through
Water Sensitive Urban
Design and vegetated
walls and roofs
Develop and implement planning policy that all
new multi-story and commercial developments
provide either vegetated roofs, WSUD or vegetated
walls ensuring no increase on the heat island effect
through the development
Urban Design, City Strategy, City
Planning
2016-2021
Continue to implement IWCM and WSUD
opportunities where possible to support Brimbank’s
Sustainable Water Management Strategy targets
Urban Design, Engineering
Services, Environment, City
Strategy
Ongoing
Ensure through planning that permeable surfaces
are maximised in all new residential developments
City Planning, Urban Design
Ongoing
Identify opportunities to reduce road widths and
road surface area to reduce amount of impervious
surfaces and reconstruct within the Council’s
ongoing road rehabilitation program
Urban Design, Engineering
Services
Ongoing
Develop and deliver educational program for the
community to encourage reduction in hard surfaces
Urban Design, Environment,
Community Planning and
Engagement
2016-19
Provide industry leading
management of the
Urban Forest
Urban Design and Parks Services to coordinate
to provide high quality management and
implementation of the Urban Forest, subject to
annual budget processes.
Urban Design, Parks Services
Ongoing
Attend conferences, workshops and information
sessions to increase knowledge of Urban Forestry
and contribute to the urban forest conversation
Urban Design, Parks Services,
Environment, Engineering
Services, City Planning
Ongoing
Urban Forest Strategy Action Plan Summary (Cont.)
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Delivery and Review
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Tree in Taylors Valley
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
55
Urban Forest Strategy 2016 - 2046
Delivery
Strategic actions of the Urban Forest Strategy will be delivered by
the Urban Design Team. The team will be responsible for meeting
actions and targets set out in this strategy and working with all
departments responsible for delivering Urban Forest outcomes.
Urban Design in partnership with Parks Services will provide
reports to the Executive Management Team on progress and
recommendations for improvement.
Review
The strategy will be reviewed annually to ensure the Urban Forest
Strategy is achieving intended outcomes for the liveability of
Brimbank. The strategy will be updated every five years to capture
new ideas, technologies and methods in Urban Forestry.
Delivery and Review
Taylors Creek
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Brimbank City Council
Sunshine Office
Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine, Victoria 3020
T 9249 4000
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E learning@brimbank.vic.gov.au
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