Indigo Shire Council has successfully secured $160,000 to support Naturally Cooler Indigo, a project that will fast track urban tree canopies across the Shire.
The government funding will support a number of actions to upscale the establishment of tree canopies in the Shire's towns and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Key actions include the development of an Urban Tree Canopy Strategy, mapping of existing canopy gaps and the planting of at least 600 climate-ready street and park trees.
The initiative follows the Naturally Cooler Towns Project facilitated by the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance (GMCA) in 2021/22.
Mayor Sophie Price has welcomed the funding, which will be supported by a $140,000 co-contribution from Council, as a fantastic opportunity to improve Indigo's disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation activities.
"We're grateful to have the opportunity to advance this important work. Indigo Shire is one of the most beautiful parts of the State and we need to ensure that this amazing natural environment is in the best position possible to withstand the impacts of climate change and natural disasters."
Councillor Price says that the project is also an opportunity to engage and educate the local community on climate change adaption and the vital role of street and park trees.
"Engagement and education of our local communities will be embedded throughout the project. We want to involve the whole of the community in planting trees and establishing canopy cover so that together we can see the difference we're making today and long into the future." Councillor Price said.
This project is being made possible with funding provided by the Australian Government in partnership with the States and Territories under the National Partnership Agreement for Disaster Risk Reduction.
