Media response - tree canopy targets

Published on 12 March 2025

Enquiry from The Age

Paraphrased slightly.

The Victorian Government's Plan for Victoria has a target of achieving 30% tree canopy in urban areas. Meanwhile ResCode changes for apartment and townhouse development set a minimum 10% tree canopy (and reduce minimum setbacks and private open space).

I'm seeking to understand Monash's position

  1. Are you concerned about the two tree canopy targets? Why? 
  2. Are they achievable? If yes, how? If no, why not?
  3. How does Monash's current tree canopy rules compare to what's being implemented by the state? 
  4. What is Monash's current tree canopy? 

Response

Tree canopies cool our neighbourhoods, clean our air, make our streets walkable and protect Monash’s garden character.

The wholesale removal of trees and gardens from properties, referred to as ‘moonscaping’, and their replacement with paving and other hard surfaces is frustrating to many people who live in Monash, and Council has been advocating for stronger protections from the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government’s recently released Plan for Victoria includes a target of 30% tree canopy in urban areas, similar to what Council has been calling for.

In October 2018 our Monash Urban Landscape and Canopy Vegetation Strategy was adopted with a goal of increasing the tree canopy of Monash to 30%. Since 2019 we have sought support from the Victorian Government to introduce tree removal planning controls similar to those in Maroondah and Whitehorse to help achieve this goal, with no success.

Recent changes to ResCode that set a minimum tree canopy cover of 10% are at odds with the broader Plan for Victoria aspirations and we believe they should be aligned. The ResCode changes also reduce the minimum front and rear building setbacks and private open space requirements – a key aspect of Monash’s residential zones that enable and encourage the planting of canopy trees.  The change to Council’s 7.6m front setback which applies to most of Monash has been in place for many years has been a significant contributor to our garden city character.

Issued: 11 March

To: The Age

Quoting: Mayor Paul Klisaris

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