A new national initiative called 202020 Vision has officially been launched with the goal of increasing green space in urban areas by 20%, by the year 2020.
The 202020 Vision is an aspirational target, and calls on all Australians to recognise the importance of green space in our urban areas.
The way the project works is by encouraging collaboration between the government, academic and private-sectors, to all do their bit for increasing green space in our cities.
At the official launch held in Sydney this week, the project kicked off with the announcement of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority’s rejuvenation of the Goods Line – a disused rail line which runs between Broadway and the Powerhouse Museum in Darling Harbour.
The disused plot is set to become a promenade of green space, including an outdoor amphitheatre, restaurants, cafes, and outdoor seating. It will also provide pedestrian access from Broadway to Darling Harbour.
The 202020 Vision is a not-for-profit collaboration, and is funded by the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NIGIA). Funds are generated by the sale of plants and trees via a grower-funded levy program.
Robert Prince, CEO of NGIA, and official 202020 Vision advocate, said it is already known that our cities need more green spaces, as they’re good for our health, productivity, keeping cities cool, and reducing pollution.
“Urban heat islands, poor air quality, lack of enjoyable urban community areas, are all poor outcomes when green spaces aren’t incorporated into new developments and large scale building projects,” Prince added.
The 202020 Vision Mission:
- Bring together a network of people and organisations, from all industries, and all levels of government, who support more green spaces.
- Work with supporters to identify Australia’s finest green space projects then map, measure, research, and publicise them.
- Learn from one another – the project aims to shine the spotlight on green projects, so they’re seen more widely, and encourage and inspire others to get involved.
- By encouraging councils, developers and communities to plant more trees and create bigger and better green spaces, we all enjoy 20% more green spaces in our cities by 2020.
More information about the initiative and how to get involved is available via the 202020 Vision website.
