The world’s climate crisis and loss of biodiversity are big, hairy problems that can feel overwhelming. But when problems are shared, the results can be immediate, effective and inspiring. The Town of Victoria Park, Western Australia, has seen such results in its Urban Forest Program. From its inception to its implementation and management, this program is driven by the steadfast collaboration of the community, local government and professional stakeholders.
In two years, on a modest budget, the program has added 10,000 square metres of indigenous flora to the urban ecosystem and 140,000 square metres of canopy cover (3,921 trees). This physical improvement to the town’s green infrastructure is remarkable. However, the jury was even more impressed by the development of the Town’s social infrastructure and the foresight to invest in inter- and intra-generational opportunities.
Town of Victoria Park Urban Forest Program applies to Victoria Park, Western Australia on the land of the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Project credits
Design practice Town of Victoria Park Implementation partner and community group Friends of Jirdarup Bushland Urban Forest Strategy development and community groups Vic Park Collective, Vic Park Trees Photographer Derrin Kee
To view all the winners of the 2022 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
