New research shows that 89% of Australians want more green space in their cities, supporting the Australian garden industry’s calls for More Trees Please.
Newspoll research commissioned for Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) and Smart Approved WaterMark in November last year shows strong support for more trees and a recognition of the value of trees and plants in people’s gardens.
“Friday March 2 is national ‘Improve Your Plant/Life Balance Day’ and we will kick off this year’s campaign by highlighting research which supports our theme of More Trees Please,” says CEO of NGIA Robert Prince.
Highlights of the research will be announced at a special ceremony in Canberra at the National Arboretum where a silky oak (Grevillea robusta) will be planted before an invited audience of industry and stakeholder representatives.
The Shadow Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Heritage, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, as well as Mr John Hargeaves, MLA, ACT Government will assist in the planting of the tree and lend their support to the industry’s call for More Trees Please.
“The Newspoll results showed that Australians are equally supportive of more green space. Around 90% in each age category in each city surveyed are in favour of local government increasing the amount of green space in their community,” says Robert.
The Newspoll results showed that:
• 73% saw their garden as a sanctuary for their mental wellbeing
• 83% saw it as a place for relaxation and taking time out
• 60% saw it as making their contribution to the environment
“These results were from respondents who had traditional gardens through to small courtyards and balcony gardens, which reflects the universal connection people have with plants,” added Robert.
“We are also encouraged by the response that more than 50% of those who had a garden indicated that they were likely to plant trees or plants to provide shade and create cooler areas.”
The Nursery & Garden Industry campaign has begun with information kits being prepared and sent to retailers and growers across Australia. The kits include Point of Sale examples, brochures and other materials.Information kits are also being prepared for stakeholders.
“We will be mailing a kit to every council in Australia – more than 500 of them - with information about the value of trees in our communities, research supporting the need for More Trees Please and other supporting information, as well as a copy of the current Trade Register for local contacts,” says Robert.
The campaign also includes kits being sent out to key stakeholder organisations such as the Housing Industry Association, the Australian Local Government Association and the Residential Development Council of Australia.
NGIA will have a stand at the Green Cities Conference in Sydney March 5 - 6. This conference attracts architects, government representatives, developers and planners and will provide a direct opportunity to take the ‘More Trees Please’ message to decision makers.
“We have also called upon other green industries to get behind the campaign. Editorial and advertisements have already begun appearing in landscaping industry and other sector magazines such as Local Government Manager.”
“We hope retailers and growers will get behind this campaign and promote More Trees Please to their customers, not only on Improve Your Plant/Life Balance Day but right through this year,” says Robert.
“The Plant/Life Balance website has been refreshed and features a new ‘blog’ where the latest news and research can be accessed. Social media will again form part of More Trees Please building upon the success of last year’s campaign.”
To find out more about improving your plant life balance, visit the new look website: www.plantlifebalance.com.au or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/plantlifebalance
