FAQs
Why do we need a Masterplan?
Mandurah is a thriving city, growing quickly as people flock to our vibrant community and beautiful and diverse environment. But as our population and our city grows, we have to balance the needs of humans and our local environment.
We are so proud of our unique environment and the connection we have to nature. We want to create a lively and resilient city not just for us but for our native wildlife. Trees provide shade and cool our city, they make our neighbourhoods more beautiful, they are food and home for our native wildlife (and native wildlife need a way to move around our city too!).
To do this we want to improve our canopy cover. Canopy cover is the area of ground shaded by the leaves of the tree. This is especially important for protection from wind and rain, shading, cooling, and creating travels pathways for our wildlife.
We also want to make sure this value is continued for generations to come. Like all living things, trees grow, mature, sometimes suffer from illness and eventually die. It is important to create a plan to make sure we have trees growing to replace our ageing canopy.
Creating a Masterplan helps us do this. We not only have a plan for where we need trees now, but how these trees will grow and support the city into the future. By having a plan, the City and the entire community can see where our future is going, how trees will improve our areas, and have their say on the trees along our streets.
A specific Masterplan for each precinct makes sure that the different needs of each area and local community can be met.
Why is it important to have your say now on street trees?
As a City and community what matters to us is hearing and embracing all voices. Our Masterplan was created based on community feedback and we would like to continue to hear your voices as we start to roll out the plan in Coodanup.
Planting takes place during the winter months so the trees need to be selected, ordered, and grown in our nurseries so they are ready to plant by Winter. Having your say now makes sure we can get the right trees in the right place come planting time.
How were the trees selected?
Street trees were selected to enhance the future canopy cover and reflect the cultural and environmental characteristics of Mandurah creating a more sustainable and liveable city. The plan is driven by the community’s ideas and future aspirations. The trees in this plan were all supported by the community because of their unique value in the city.
In 2019, the City undertook a city-wide public engagement survey hosted on Mandurah Matters. The results of the survey highlighted the key benefits of trees and tree species valued by the community. This was then included in the plan.
The top five community values for trees identified in the survey were:
1. Increasing habitat and biodiversity
2. Providing shade and cooling
3. Improved air quality
4. Absorbing carbon dioxide
5. Community health and wellbeing.
Species were chosen that meet these values. In Madora Bay the main qualities of trees valued were increasing habitat and biodiversity, shading and cooling, aesthetics, reduced energy costs, and encouraging outdoor activity.
Do the trees selected support native wildlife?
Yes. A number of local native trees are street tree options, including Weeping Peppermint (Agonis Flexuosa) and Swamp sheoak (Casuarina obesa) support wildlife by providing food. Most species chosen also provide some shelter for wildlife and host insects which are a food source for local birds.
Who is responsible for the street trees?
Trees located on the street verge are only to be pruned or removed by the City or its contractors. The City will also water and check the condition of the street trees on rotation, however, we appreciate any extra care (watering, weeding, mulch placement) by residents if you would like to contribute to the wellbeing of the trees.
Why are street trees important?
Trees provide shade and cool our city, they make our neighbourhoods more beautiful, they are food and home for our native wildlife (and native wildlife need a way to move around our city too). Increased canopy cover is especially important for protection from wind and rain, shading, cooling, and creating travel pathways for our wildlife. Canopy cover is the area of ground that is shaded by the leaves of the trees and, and street trees are a significant way to increase the canopy cover throughout the city, especially in our less green urban areas.
Can I choose the species?
Current species in the plan have been chosen based on community consultation, technical knowledge, and specific benefits including shade, size, use for wildlife and more. There are a number of trees within the Masterplan that have been chosen for their unique value. As a resident, you can choose a species from the list of trees that have been selected for your area. If your verge lies under a powerline your list of species will differ.