Trees are not the enemy, urban heat is
Trees are not the enemy, but urban heat certainly is.
There is a long-standing distrust and aversion to trees in urban areas and local community group Grow Urban Shade Trees is on a mission to shift that culture.
The Peninsula is an identified "urban heat island", which experiences temperatures almost five degrees hotter than surrounding leafy suburbs.
Though it's a flat area, walkability is greatly impacted by the lack of shade and extreme heat.
Where residents could happily clock in some exercise, save fuel, reduce emissions and combat overcrowded carparks when headed to the beach, they are forced to drive because walking is an unsafe option.
The Peninsula has long been a hot and bare area following a history of sandmining and urbanisation.
Records as far back as the early 1950s show strategies in place, by a newly formed Tree Planting Committee, to plant street trees and green the area.
So why are we still suffering?
There are many answers to that question but some key points to consider are the poorly planned rezoning of much of the area to medium density, poor development controls, a historically lower socio-economic demographic lacking time and resources to address the issue and a culturally-ingrained fear of trees.
Trees offer myriad benefits, not only providing much-needed shade to an area with less than 10 per cent canopy cover, but also to our pockets.
Trees increase property values (look at Pearl Beach, Killcare or Macmasters for proof) and reduce energy consumption.
They also improve physical and mental health and increase habitat value for local wildlife.
So why the fear?
Did you know that your chance of dying from a tree or branch falling is one in five million? Meanwhile, heat-related deaths can account for up to 10 per cent of total deaths in hot seasons and locations.
Selecting the right tree for the right place is important.
We desperately need trees, tall enough to shade hot, impervious surfaces such as roads and dark roofs, to be planted in gardens and on nature strips.
Where you're concerned about the health or structural integrity of a tree, contract a knowledgeable and accredited arborist to undertake five-yearly health checks.
Trees come in all manner of styles, shapes and sizes and there are so many beautiful species which the Grow Urban Shade Trees group could help you select for your garden or nature strip - just reach out.
Central Coast Council have a poor history of tree retention and planting on the Peninsula.
Between 2019-2022, the group has identified 295 tree removals on the Peninsula via council tree applications, though this figure doesn't include the higher number of trees removed via development applications.
Between 2005-2014, canopy cover in Woy Woy decreased by 173 hectares, impervious surfaces increased by 84 hectares and unplantable space increased by 113 hectares.
Council's adopted Greener Places Strategy states that "this pattern of land cover change, particularly the significant tree canopy loss, has substantial implications for the future liveability...and the health and wellbeing" of the urban environment and local community.
Objectives of Council's Greener Places Strategy include strengthening the processes around tree protection and replacement and improving liveability via planting and green urban design.
So when are we going to see this?
In a comparative analysis of Central Coast Council's urban greening, the Grow Urban Shade Trees group looked at Lane Cove Council's street tree planting figures for 22-23 Financial Year.
Lane Cove Council planted 249 street trees in an area of 10.5 square kilometres with a population of 40,534.
According to Central Coast Council, they have planted up to 80 street trees in an area of 1,681 square kilometres with a population of 348,930 people.
So what can you do to help?
Plant more trees in your garden and nature strip. Retain trees, design developments around exiting trees and contract arborists as needed.
Complete Council's important online survey at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/CSPandLSPS by October 16.
Ask for green urban design, urban planting and tighter development controls with regards to landscaping requirements.
Ask for immediate implementation of the Greener Places Strategy and call for a stop to unnecessary tree clearing on the Peninsula.
Join the Peninsula Residents Association to help keep developments in line with the "leafy character" our suburbs are supposed to maintain and to ensure our suburbs are habitable and climate ready.
Get in touch with the Grow Urban Shade Trees group on advice as to what tree works best at your place at gust@peg.org.au.
SOURCE:
Email, 29 Sep 2023
Mim McInnes, Umina