Urban Forests: What are they, why they are important, and why they need protection.

July 23 2025 Urban Trees
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: The Marwal Centre, 9 Marwal Avenue, Balwyn North

While Boroondara is fortunate to have a magnificent tree canopy, it is under threat from climate change and development. It is also ageing. Since our last urban trees event in 2022, much has changed. Not only were 2023 and 2024 the hottest years on record, but the North East Link has taken a huge chunk of Boroondara’s mature trees. Illegal tree removals continue, and the Victorian government’s Activity Centres pose a major threat.

Hear Dr Greg Moore (Senior Research Associate at the University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus), Dr Judy Bush (Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne), Chris Spencer (Boroondara Team Leader Arborist) and Amy Shaw (Coordinator Urban Biodiversity and Revegetation) talk about urban trees, urban forests and urban biodiversity. Ask your own questions and find out what you can do to help grow Boroondara’s tree canopy and improve biodiversity.

Dr Greg Moore will discuss international best practice in growing urban forests, the importance of trees from climate change and human health perspectives, and threat, such as government planning and powerline clearing regulations, to protecting trees in urban settings.

Dr Judy Bush will speak about how tree protection is addressed within Victoria’s planning scheme provisions for councils across Melbourne with a focus on protecting and retaining trees on private land.

Chris Spencer and Amy Shaw will report on progress with Boroondara’s new Tree Canopy and Biodiversity Strategies. They will discuss the challenges faced to protect and grow the tree canopy and increase biodiversity. They will also illustrate how residents can contribute.

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