Sowing the seeds for better landscapes together – have a say on Green.IS

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Green Infrastructure Strategy (Green.IS).

The final round of consultation will open today (23 April) on the new strategy that will guide how Council plans, delivers and values our region’s natural assets.

The Green.IS demonstrates a best-practice approach to improving and maintaining our green infrastructure, just as we would our built infrastructure such as roads, bridges and utilities.

TRC Chair of Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Cr Anne Glasheen said ‘Green infrastructure’ covers a number of aspects that make up our diverse landscape from our famous gardens in the city and iconic trees that line our suburban streets to fertile agricultural plains and bushland parks.

“This rich tapestry of natural and living assets are threaded throughout our region and form part of our local identity,” Cr Glasheen said.

“‘Green infrastructure’ covers a number of aspects that make up a network of natural, semi-natural and designed assets such as vegetation and habitat corridors, farmlands, parks, urban creeks and even green walls on buildings.

“This is the community’s chance to make sure that as our region grows, we are sowing the seeds together for better landscapes that will support and enrich our natural environment for generations to come.

“Green Infrastructure will help clean the air and water and provide a habitat for native flora and fauna.

“Importantly, protecting and increasing the amount of green in the places where we live also improves our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“The consultation that begins today is the final step in a three-phase project that began in 2017.

“Council would like as many people as possible to guide the draft Green IS and we are keen for people to have their say during this final consultation.

“The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) have been key stakeholders in the strategy’s development.

Mr Lee Mason, Secretary of Darling Downs Environment Council said the DDEC welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Toowoomba Regional Council's Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Mr Mason said we encourage other groups or individuals with an interest in ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations to get involved with this Council initiative.

The community can have their say on the draft Green.IS until 31 May 2019. To download the strategy visit https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/greenis