Council Committee sows the seeds for better landscapes with Green.IS

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Planning and Development Committee has endorsed the Green Infrastructure Strategy (Green.IS) and its guiding principles. The new strategy has been developed over three years in consultation with the community and will guide how Council plans, delivers and values our region’s green assets. 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. “The vision underpinning the strategy is for a ‘rich tapestry of green and healthy landscapes that support thriving communities and a vibrant economy, where nature is valued, embedded and enriched at every opportunity’,” Cr Glasheen said. “‘Green infrastructure’ includes natural, semi-natural and designed assets such as vegetation and habitat corridors, farmlands, parks, urban creeks and even green walls on buildings. “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. “The new strategy provides the policy framework for a collaborative approach to sustaining clean air and water, healthy food, climate resilience, liveable communities and economic development across the Council using the benefits of green infrastructure. “The strategy will deliver four key objectives: Enrich natural systems Enhance local identity and character Support healthy communities Increase collaboration and co-design. “As a Council, we are sowing the seeds together for better landscapes that will support and enrich our green environment for generations to come. “Green Infrastructure helps clean our air and water resources and provides a habitat for flora and fauna. “Importantly, protecting and increasing the amount of vegetation in places where we live improves our physical and mental health and wellbeing.” The recommendation of the Planning and Development Committee to endorse the Green.IS will be considered by Council at the October Meeting.