Trees for Tamworth region plan approved by council

The Trees For Tamworth Region report tabled to councillors said developers should be encouraged or required to provide more trees as part of any new subdivision, and suggested council reinstate the donation of a new tree for every new resident.

The vision, put forward by deputy mayor Helen Tickle and councillor Juanita Wilson, also includes plans to plant trees at city gateways, existing residential areas, car parks and anywhere else trees may benefit the community.

There is also a strong focus on maintaining trees once they’ve been planted, picking the right species for the right area and creating a new tree nursery to meet the demand.

Cr Tickle said the plan came from many years of listening to the community.

“Overwhelmingly, they say Tamworth and its surrounding towns need more shade trees, and a plan for long-term planting,” she said.

Cr Wilson said the long term plan was part of “future proofing” the region.

“This is about leaving a legacy,” she said.

“Trees are, and will continue, to be at the centre of urban, town and regional living. We want to have a whole of community approach and get everyone involved in this.”

The plan was unanimously backed by councillors, and already has widespread support in community, with several people expressing their approval at council’s meeting on Tuesday night.

Cr Mark Rodda said while the plan would not be a cheap or short-term project, it would transform the city and the region's town into “very attractive places to live”.

“I love trees – I remember half a life time ago, a friend laughed at me when I said it was cooler under natural shade, but it is a scientific fact,” Cr Rodda said.

He also encouraged council to investigate what state government may be funding for the plan.

Cr Russell Webb was particularly enthusiastic about lining the city’s gateways with trees.

“Tamworth airport is a classic example,” Cr Webb said.

“When you get off a plane and pass through a tree lined avenue, it looks magnificent and it would represent what this city is all about – being a great place to live.”