MidCoast Council's decision to go ahead with a new 'greening strategy' to protect trees and vegetation in the local government area has been met with strong support from members of the community.
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At the February 27 ordinary meeting of council, it was unanimously decided by councillors to create a strategy that focuses on where vegetation controls in the region will be harmonised and how native vegetation and trees will be protected.
Backing the move, Oxygen Farm Association's Christopher Sheed and Jane Watson expressed their concern for the future of natural vegetation and the removal of trees under the current system.
Mr Sheed outlined the importance of trees to the local and national ecosystem and stressed the importance of preserving roadside vegetation.
"Roadside vegetation is being disturbed at an alarming rate," Mr Sheed said.
Ms Watson echoed Mr Sheed's thoughts but said the strategy should not just focus on trees.
"You need to think broadly about vegetation as well," Ms Watson said.
The association will continue to support the council on the strategy's progression.
Claiming native fauna numbers and habitats have been on the decline in recent years, resident Kym Kilpatrick said the region's irreplaceable environment needs a secure future.
"The Mid North Coast region is biologically diverse," Ms Kilpatrick said.
MidCoast Environment Group representative Ariel Johnson thanked council for getting the ball rolling.
"I hope it's created urgently," Ms Johnson said.
"It's a long overdue undertaking."
Ms Johnson encouraged community consultation and input from people outside of the council on the core concepts of the strategy.
Tree protection controls are only in place in parts of the Great Lakes.
Council had resolved to amend the Great Lakes Development Control Plan last year to remove all tree and vegetation controls and discuss the introduction of a register to protect significant trees.
This warranted a strong response from the community, expressing concern with council's stance on the issue.
Council's acting director of planning and natural systems Paul De Szell said councillors and staff members then discussed how to best create a form of protection.
“Since that time a number of workshops have been held with staff and councillors to discuss principles and concepts around tree protection controls and how best to protect vegetation across the local government area,” Mr De Szell said.
A framework will soon be prepared to outline issues and opportunities for trees and vegetation.
“Once we have scoped the strategy we will develop a community engagement plan, which will be adopted by council, to ensure the views and aspirations of our community are taken into account in the preparation of the strategy," Mr De Szell said.
A further report will be presented to council by June to outline a timeline for developing the strategy.