Green infrastructure is so much more than a facade
I note the recent grants provided to shopfronts under the Council's Facade Improvement Program.
The primary aim of the program is to enhance visitor experiences of town centres and revitalise town centres.
It might be difficult to track data on how well this aim has been achieved across the Central Coast shopfronts that have received funding under this program.
Two grant recipients were approved for painting and signage in Woy Woy at the end of 2024.
I would like to suggest that a longer term plan for enhancing visitor experience and revitalising town centres lies in more extensive planning and maintenance of public garden areas in Woy Woy.
This would include looking after trees; creating garden spaces that looked cared for and are maintained by appropriately trained staff on a permanent basis.
Garden staff should be visible in the community tending the gardens; trialling new plantings in front of the oval; improving the library gardens; improved seating options in gardens as they are established.
In short, this is bringing this aspect of planning, maintenance and revitalisation to the forefront.
Green infrastructure can provide shade; create habitat and provide a boost for biodiversity.
It provides an outdoor connection to nature enhancing physical and mental wellbeing and is available to all regardless of age, ability, or language spoken.
It would be so much more than a facade.
SOURCE:
Email, 24 Mar 2025
Wendy Baylis, Woy Woy