WALGA Urban Forest Conference 2023 Valuing Canopy

The loss of urban green space and native vegetation is an important issue for the Local Government sector, particularly in urban areas.  Reduced canopy cover impacts on public amenity, human health, and biodiversity, and leads to increases in average local temperatures creating urban heat islands.

WALGA works with the Local Government sector to build capacity to maintain and grow healthy urban forests. The WALGA Urban Conference 2023 Valuing Canopy is a full day focused on the significance of green space for health and wellbeing and explore the critical role in mitigating and adapting our urban environments in the face of climate impacts.

Bringing together thought leaders that challenge the status quo, the conference will showcase innovative approaches to incorporating green space into built environment and planning and policy interventions from across Australia.

Join Local Government, State Government, academics, community leaders and environment, planning, development and design professionals to share best practice examples and latest research to drive meaningful canopy outcomes to add environmental, social and economic value for local communities.

Date: Friday, 17 February 2023

Time: 9:00am – 4:45pm, followed by drinks in the forest

Location: Curtin University
The one-day conference will feature:

• Opening address from the Hon Reece Whitby MLA – Minister for Environment; Climate Action
• Plenary panel session exploring the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities for key decision makers in growing canopy in a densifying city. Panellist include WA Planning Commission Chairman David Caddy, Planning Institute of Australia WA President, Urban Development Institute of Australia WA Col Dutton, and Local Government Mayor Karen Vernon, Town of Victoria Park
• A keynote address from Karen Sweeney, City of Sydney, on how the City has achieved a 28% increase in canopy cover, despite major urban renewal.
• Venue Partner Address by Dean of Sustainable Futures, Josh Byrne who will highlight the vital role urban tree canopy and irrigated green space play in the livability of Perth
• One-hour master class for Elected Members and Senior Executives to better understand urban forest strategies and their implementation across their organisations, beyond setting canopy targets. (separate registration required)
• Short walking tour over the lunch hour with Curtin staff to hear their approach in creating and maintaining beautiful grounds to enhance the campus experience and contribute towards habitat and biodiversity (separate registration required)
• Seven concurrent sessions that will explore the diverse ways in which the various stakeholders value canopy through their roles, organisations and communities.