More trees

I came across a news article recently which caught my attention. It was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that headlined, "Huge Tree for every backyard in South-West Growth Area Under New Plan". The "Huge Tree" is an eight metre tree - more like a medium-sized tree.

A drive through many new estates can see you experiencing mixed emotions. Sure, some of the houses look nice, but where are the trees? You'll see pittosporums, magnolias and ornamental pears by the truckload, but no real trees and a very real disconnect to anything native.

I shared this article with Baw Baw Shire Council because I'd like to see new estates in the area look less like estates we might see driving towards the city. No offence to the people that live there.

A move like the NSW council's above, would see less demand on energy, increased biodiversity (particularly if natives are encouraged), a more attractive looking area, and higher property values for residents.

Recent studies also attribute a greater sense of well-being and higher academic results to living in a green area. Probably the most important to mention, is the impact it would have on reducing climate change.

I think local residents should have high expectations of new estates built in our area, and our council should support this. Councils feel the need to act, if residents make themselves heard. So let's make them hear us speak to your council today.

Brendan Cox, Warragul