Mackay mayor defends new green strategy
Mackay Regional Council has adopted a new urban greening strategy amid shocking revelations that more trees have been removed in the past than planted. But some aren’t happy.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new urban greening strategy just adopted by Mackay council is voluntary only, mayor Greg Williamson says.
The strategy was adopted after some debate at Mackay Regional Council’s last ordinary meeting for 2022 on Wednesday, December 7.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson stressed, both at the meeting and afterwards, that the strategy was not a policy hence not mandatory.
Cr Laurence Bonaventura had wanted to ensure the strategy would be defined as voluntary by rewording the motion, to the ire of Mr Williamson.
“I don’t believe council’s interest in served by this (motion). It should be on a voluntary basis,” Cr Bonaventura insisted.
But Mr Williamson pointed out that this was a strategy document, not a policy one.
“It’s been four times on this. It’s really disappointing. This is a strategy,” he said.
Councillor Alison Jones said the strategy would apply more to public lands.
“This is all about trees on public land, not private land,” she said.
Cr Justin Englert also pointed out that council had no legal power to compel residents to abide by the strategy.
Urban greening refers to protecting, planning and planting vegetation in urban areas such as streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.
Mr Williamson said the strategy would allow council to increase vegetation across the region over 20 years.
“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low and it is declining in some areas,” he said.
Mr Williamson said later that council had been “a little shocked” by figures going back four to five years that revealed more trees had been removed than planted.
“The feedback we received from the public was overwhelming on this. It was very good feedback,” the mayor said.
The strategy will cover measures such as more planting projects, tree management, policy reviews and community engagement.
“Urban greening is a priority for us as a council as it not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.”
For more information on the strategy, visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.
Shark alert as tiger washes up on Qld beach
Qld residents have been on high alert after a tiger shark was spotted on a north Qld beach yesterday with council workers spending hours putting it in a sandy grave.
David Crisafulli declares he will fix the Bruce Hwy
David Crisafulli has declared, responding to a question from a Courier-Mail reader, that if the LNP wins goverment at the October 26 election, he can get the Bruce Hwy fixed.