Back in June we held two focus groups to help us identify actions to increase, diversify, monitor, and maintain Bayside’s urban forest. Feedback from these groups, together with technical and expert advice, has led to the creation of our draft Urban Forest Strategy.

The draft Strategy will be considered by Council at its 17 August 2021 meeting before broad community consultation begins. You can read the report on the draft Urban Forest Strategy from page 43 of the agenda. Feedback from the focus groups is captured in the draft Strategy on pages 18-22.

Next steps

Community consultation on the draft Urban Forest Strategy is expected to open from 19 August – 19 September 2021.

We would really value your feedback during this consultation period. There will be a few ways to participate including a survey or submission of written statement, pop-up engagement sessions (COVID permitting), as well as interactive engagement tools including a virtual ‘plant a tree’ map, which we are very excited to launch! We will let you know when consultation opens.

You can watch the Council meeting live from 6.30pm on 17 August 2021 or view a recording. Community members can also submit a question or written statement to the meeting.