DEAR News Of The Area,
I WELCOME the opportunity for the community to have a say on the Council’s draft proposal to require a permit for the removal of trees in non-rural areas.
Good civic design that benefits humans is design that benefits all life.
Nature is our life support system and biodiversity is essential for human health. Every single tree is a link in the connectivity that makes earth’s systems effective.
An individual tree is a microcosm of Nature’s richness, providing shelter and habitat to a myriad species, from mammals to microbes, above ground and in the soil.
Trees are our most effective weapon in the war on climate change, drawing down and sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
The action of evapotranspiration not only cools the environment but regulates rainfall so that we see fewer extreme weather events.
Water-based tree species are actually fire-retardant.
The simplest and cheapest way to reduce the influence of the Urban Heat Island Effect is through treed greenspace and tree canopy cover.
Trees filter harmful particulate air pollutants.
Research shows that looking at a tree for 40 seconds can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
The presence of plants and trees in our environment can improve health and well-being, enhance our mood, help us be calmer, and stimulate us to be more creative and productive.
The natural beauty of our region appeals to locals and attracts tourists and we want to be proud of our streetscapes.
The most sought-after real estate is always in the leafy suburbs.
Shade trees not only minimise flooding by helping the soil to absorb moisture, they also assist in stabilising the ground and prolonging the life of bitumen surfaces.
I would like to see the proposal extended to include all trees 2.5m or taller, unless they are weeds or are dangerous.
A requirement under the current proposal of a trunk circumference of two metres is far too restrictive and would leave unprotected many mature and semi-mature trees that benefit the community and nature.
It is vital that we have a Tree Preservation Order that results in meaningful protection of all trees 2.5m or higher.
Preserving trees in our built environments will help keep us cool, encourage healthy living, enhance biodiversity and ensure ecological resilience.
Whether you agree with me or not, have your say by making a submission to the General
Manager, council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au, by 27 February.
Regards,
Mary FORBES,
Eungai Creek.
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