FAQs

Urban forest is a population of trees and vegetation growing within an urban setting for the purpose of improving the liveability of that urban setting whilst providing social, economic and environmental benefits to the community as a whole.

To maintain, preserve and protect our urban forest we face many challenges. Some of these include:

• pathogen management
• public perception and perceived risks
• limited influence on private land
• competing priorities with utility providers
• changing urban environmental conditions
• ongoing budget constraints
• climate change including temperature changes and water availability
• available space to plant
• requirement to increase urban density

In order to appropriately address these issues and challenges, it is crucial that the city establish a holistic urban forest strategy to guide in the planned, systematic and integrated approach to managing the City’s urban forest.

The draft Urban Forest Strategy and feedback form are available to view electronically in the project document library. Hard copies are also available to view at the City Administration Building and from City libraries.

The City of Kalamunda is well known for its bushland, forests, parks and leafy streets. To realise these benefits to the community, economy and environment, the City aspires to achieve a target overall urban canopy cover across the City of 30% by 2043. This target aligns with international best practice targets for canopy cover. Broadly, the goals of the UFS are based on the pillars to Protect, Grow, Engage, and Investigate. This provides a holistic and strategic approach to achieving our aspirational target.

The two-month community consultation period closes on 30 May 2023. Feedback and suggestions will be reviewed, updates made and the final draft will go before Council for adoption in the second half of 2023.

From there it is hoped that the adopted Urban Forest Strategy will be available on the City's website for download end of 2023.