This Urban Forest Precinct Plan (UFPP) aims to guide tree planting and biodiversity projects to achieve the targets of the Urban Forest Strategy and to develop a healthy, biodiverse, and connected urban forest. We want to know what you think of the plan.
Read the plan: Explore the draft Balaclava and St Kilda East Precinct Plan - It's been uploaded in two parts Part One (sections 1 to 4) and Part Two (section 5 to 7).Or follow the tabs on this page which explains each section.
Provide feedback via the survey: Once you've reviewed the This Urban Forest Precinct Plan (UFPP) please take our survey below to share your satisfaction with the plan and provide any additional comments. Your feedback will help us refine the plan to ensure it reflects the community's vision.
Book some time to provide your feedback with our Urban Forest Coordinator
To schedule your 20-minute meeting with the Urban Forest Coordinator, click on the following link:
Book a time here
Choose a date and time that works for you. Then choose your preferred meeting location:
- In-Person: St Kilda Town Hall (99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182) or
- Microsoft Teams: Online meeting
A confirmation email with all the meeting details, including the Teams link (if applicable), will be sent to you after bookings:
Dates and times we are accepting bookings:
- Tuesday 6 May 2025 - 11 am to 2 pm
- Wednesday 7 May 2025 - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 5 pm
- Friday 9 May 2025 - 1 pm to 3 pm
Urban Forest Precinct Plan Balaclava and St Kilda East
The Urban Forest Strategy, adopted in August 2024 has a target to achieve 30% canopy cover on streets and a minimum of 40% canopy cover on public space (non-sports field areas) by 2040 and to increase biodiverse planting.
The purpose of the Urban Forest Precinct Plan is to guide tree planting and biodiversity projects to achieve these targets and a healthy, biodiverse, and connected urban forest. In Balaclava/East St Kilda canopy cover on streets is currently 25% and public spaces 31%.
As an older municipality, a lot of streets in Port Phillip are narrow, have narrow footpaths, have no nature strip or narrow nature strips. The constrained space in some Port Phillip streets, particularly in St Kilda, East St Kilda, and Balaclava are challenging to retrofit, with above and below ground services, contaminated or poor soils, accessibility, car parking, footpath crossovers varying between streets.Planting trees in streets need to respond to these challenges and sound planning taking opportunities and constraints is critical to ensure trees are planted where they are needed to increase canopy cover.
This precinct plan provides Balaclava and St Kilda East with more trees and access to nature. It aims to make walking safer and cooler by adding shade where it's needed most. Researchers looked at the area, and this plan will guide how to plant trees and improve access to nature, based on the neighbourhood's needs. This plan will be used as a model for other areas in Port Phillip
The plan is for:
- Growing more trees and nature in Balaclava and St Kilda East, with the goal of creating a healthier, more connected urban forest.
- Improving walking conditions by adding shade and making streets safer and more comfortable for pedestrians.
- Creating a model for future plans, this plan is a pilot, designed to be used as a template for other neighbourhoods in Port Phillip.
- Targeted tree planting, by identifying key areas needing trees, like high-heat areas, busy walking routes, and public transport stops.
- Boosting biodiversity, finding opportunities to plant diverse plant life in streets and parks.
- Practical implementation, outlining how to carry out these changes, considering factors like water usage, traffic safety, and working with other landowners.
- Improving existing trees, finding ways to fill in gaps in existing tree cover and gradually change tree species for better canopy coverage.
- Providing a ten-year action plan, giving a prioritised timeline for implementing these changes.
This transformative project requires significant financial investment. We are actively seeking funding opportunities to support the necessary infrastructure changes, including potential adjustments to street layouts and parking configurations, to accommodate increased tree cover and enhance accessibility for all residents. We recognise that realising this vision will require commitment and collaboration, but the long-term benefits for our community's health, well-being, and environment are tangible.
What has been considered in the development of the Balaclava and St Kilda East precinct plan
Shared spaces within Balaclava and St Kilda East are essential for both our quality of life and the unique identity of our community
Public space contributes to the liveability of our city and defines our unique sense of identity and place. It is open and accessible to people. It is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing and provides significant canopy cover and biodiversity. Public space is an essential part of creating sustainable urban communities, particularly as urban density increases.
Alma Park, segmented by the railway is the largest open space. Land owned by other agencies including the St Kilda Cemetery managed by the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and the railway reserve contribute to public space and urban biodiversity.
Local, and small local open spaces in the neighbourhood include:
- Te Arai Reserve
- Hewison Reserve
- Packington Street Reserve
- William Street Reserve
- Town Hall Reserve (St Kilda Town Hall)
- St Kilda Library green space
- St Kilda Community Gardens
These reserves have strong local communities where people meet friends, exercise, play sport, relax, walk dogs, and care for nature in Friends of groups and gardening in communal garden beds.
Public space canopy cover in Balaclava and East St Kilda is 31%, however Balaclava/St Kilda East has the lowest amount of open space of all neighbourhoods in our city. Currently, Balaclava and St Kilda East have eight open spaces, making up only 5% of the total neighbourhood area. This is significantly lower than the City of Port Phillip average of 17%.
