Urban Greening Strategy Adopted

Mackay Regional Council has a plan to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected.

It’s all part of council’s new Mackay Urban Greening Strategy, which was adopted at last week’s ordinary council meeting.

Urban greening is the process of strategically identifying ways to protect, plan and plant vegetation across urban areas, including streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the strategy would put a plan in place to increase vegetation coverage across the region over the next 20 years.

“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low, and it is also declining in some areas,” he said.

“The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy was developed with community input, and it provides a vision, target, and actions to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected into the future.

“It will include actions, such as more planting projects, tree management, policy reviews and community engagement.

“Urban greening is a priority for us as a council as it not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to the amenity of Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.”

The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy highlights four key objectives including:

> growing greener and cooler neighbourhoods

> protecting and nurturing our valued green assets

> building community stewardship and partnerships

> adapting and learning.

For more information on the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.
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Grant and Nicole Trone and their daughter Xanthe enjoy a walk under the tree canopy at Queens Park

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