42Naturally Cooler Indigo Project
Progress
On time
- Not started
- Planning
- Implementation
- Continuous
OBJECTIVE
IMPACT
MediumIncreasing tree canopies in Indigo Shire's towns will increase natural shade and reduce localised temperatures and minimise the urban heating effect during summers.
Description
Council is taking steps to up-scale the establishment of tree canopies in our towns and reduce the urban heat island effect.
The 'Naturally Cooler Indigo - fast tracking urban tree canopies in Indigo Shire's towns' project is supported by grant funding secured from Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) via their ‘Risk and Resilience Grants Program - Round 2’.
This follows the Naturally Cooler Towns Project facilitated by the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance (GMCA) in 2021/22, which produced a detailed regional report and summary report for Indigo Shire.
We received $160,000 funding from EMV (with a $140,000 co-contribution from Council) in November 2022.
The Naturally Cooler Indigo - fast tracking urban tree canopies in Indigo Shire's towns' project will involve the following key actions:
- Development of an 'Urban Tree Canopy Strategy' for Indigo Shire, as per the Council Plan (2021-25) - undertaken by Council and expert consultants in 2022/23.
- Analysis / Inventory / Mapping of existing canopy gaps - undertaken by Indigo Shire Council staff using desktop resources and ground-truthing.
- Sourcing and planting of 600 climate-ready tree species referencing the plant list developed by the Naturally Cooler Towns Project. Species were chosen based on 10 selection criteria including drought tolerance, heat tolerance, longevity, ability to form a canopy (generally taller than 6 metres) and low flammability.
- Preparation of planting sites and after-care of planted trees by Council staff and contractors (as required).
- Engagement and education of local communities (including residents) will be embedded throughout the project, with the aim of involving community in planting trees and establishing canopy cover whilst raising awareness of climate change adaptation and the vital role of street and park trees.
This project is supported by funding provided by the Australian Government in partnership with the States and Territories under the National Partnership Agreement for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Tasks
What's left to do?
- 30/06/2024
Finalise Council's Urban Tree Canopy Strategy
- 31/12/2024
Complete the EMV funded project 'Naturally Cooler Indigo - fast tracking urban tree canopies in Indigo Shire's towns'
- 31/12/2024
Collect GPS data of tree plantings and add to Council's Intramaps.
- 31/12/2024
Communicate with residents and stakeholders on participating streets
Communications will raise awareness, encourage residents to get involved, and hopefully shape the success of the project.
Communications will be planned and include an introduction of the Naturally Cooler Indigo project, outline of the value of street trees, and details of the locations, tree species, and planting dates. This correspondence will provide residents with an opportunity to contact Council if they have questions or concerns.
- 31/12/2024
Document survival and growth of trees in tandem with collecting environmental data
Collecting and analysing data around the results and effects of the project will help inform Council decisions in regular tree planting activities. This data will also be valuable to other Councils and land managers looking to deliver climate adaptation outcomes.
Environmental data might include ground and ambient air temperatures, soil moisture and other parameters on streets included versus streets not included in the project.
What has been done?
- 29/02/2024
Finalise tree list and planting plan for 2024
- 31/08/2023
Complete Year 1 of tree planting as part of the Naturally Cooler Indigo Project
The winter 2023 planting has been completed, with 374 trees being planted in parks and streets of Indigo Shire's eight towns. Planting effort as part of this project has prioritised streets with multiple canopy gaps identified during the tree gap analysis. This is in addition to Council's annual tree planting program.
Street and park tree species were selected, plants ordered for winter 2023 planting, and dial-before-you-dig inquiries undertaken.
The plants are receiving follow-up maintainence (e.g. watering) to aid establishment.
- 31/05/2023
Finalise tree list and planting plan for 2023
Species and site selection will underpin other aspects of the project.
- 31/05/2023
Undertake an assessment of canopy gaps in Indigo towns to identify street and park tree planting opportunities.
Council's Coordinator Trees and Parks has undertaken a tree gap analysis of Indigo’s main towns, identifying over 2,000 gaps for street and park trees in Indigo's main towns - Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Barnawartha, Wahgunyah, Tangambalanga, and Stanley.
Summary and contacts
Timeline
10/02/2023 → Continuous → 31/12/2024
Target audience
Responsible organisations
- Municipal OperationsManages street and park tree establishment, maintenance and renewal programs.
- Environment & SustainabilityProvides technical advice regarding climate change adaptation.
Emissions Scope
Indicative costs
$300,000 over 2 years
Information updated 12/03/2024
Managing data for access and transparency will assist in grant outcomes reporting, communications and citizen involvement.