PLANE trees could play less of a part in Bendigo's streetscape, with the suggestion they be replaced with "more suitable species" over time.
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A draft of the Greening Greater Bendigo strategy is set for release, having come before the council during tonight's meeting.
The proposed strategy envisages the future for trees, vegetation and green infrastructure on council-owned and managed land in Greater Bendigo. It looks as far as 50 years ahead.
Documents to be released include a suggested 10-year action plan.
Introducing the strategy at tonight's meeting, councillor Jennifer Alden touched on plane trees - a topic she said she had raised a number of times.
Plane trees have been associated with irritation - particularly, the fibres they drop.
Cr Alden raised part of the draft Greening Greater Bendigo strategy, which saw merit in "introducing a greater variety of tree species in central Bendigo when there is opportunity to do so".
The trees line a number of Bendigo streets and were a talking point during the recent spring, when the air in the CBD seemed thick with fibres.
But plane trees were far from the only topic of discussion at tonight's meeting, with many of the councillors keen to emphasise the importance of 'greening' Greater Bendigo.
Benefits ranged from improving the health and wellbeing of residents to that of the climate.
The number of tree-related complaints councillors received was acknowledged. However, it was agreed that their benefits outweighed any negatives.
Deputy mayor Matt Emond said the strategy ought to be a priority for the city, and would require long-term commitment.
Achieving its aims would also require resourcing, Cr Alden said.
The draft strategy will be open for feedback.
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