Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms and the ecological systems they create. Biodiversity is measured on three key levels, including:

Species diversity effects the resilience of an ecosystem. Highly diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand environmental and human pressures. Ecosystem resilience has become increasingly important in urban areas where natural systems have become significantly fragmented by development.

Protecting and enhancing local biodiversity is vital to ensure the long-term survival of our native plants and animals and the ecosystems they depend on.

As the stewards of public land, Council has a responsibility to carefully manage the natural environment for both present and future generations.

You can read more about biodiversity and its importance in the report below.

We are currently in the process of developing an Urban Forest Strategic Plan to grow and protect our urban forest. Our urban forest includes all the trees in our City, including trees in parks, along streets, in backyards and other green spaces.

To help inform the creation of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan, you can provide input online until 24 July.

Being able to effectively plan the urban forest requires us to understand the status of the tree population, establish a canopy cover target and set realistic actions to achieve it. By effectively managing and increasing urban tree cover and quality green spaces, we can prioritise the liveability and resilience of the community and enable people to adapt better to a changing climate.