Released 07/06/2019
The ACT Government will plant 17,000 more trees across our city, to maintain and enhance the character of our bush capital that Canberrans love.
“The unique character of our city and suburbs are fundamentally linked to our incredible tree canopy in Canberra - it’s part of what makes Canberra a great place to live,” said Minister Steel.
“Over 17,000 new trees will be planted across the city to ensure Canberra’s beautiful urban forest is renewed and enhanced for future generations.
“This is the largest program of tree planting this century, to renew and enhance Canberra’s tree canopy. Trees play a big role in the lives of Canberrans, keeping our streets up to 10 degrees cooler in summer, and help us to adapt to climate change.”
The Government manages over 766,000 public trees in streets and urban open spaces.
Planting locations will particularly focus on areas of low urban canopy cover and areas where the canopy target is at risk of decline with the ageing of existing trees.
We will also be looking to fill in gaps in the existing tree canopy cover in suburbs which are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Government will begin these plantings while we prepare an Urban Forest Strategy to be developed within 12 months, which will set out a pathway to meet canopy targets, build the resilience of Canberra’s green canopy and ensure that Canberra remains a liveable city in the future.
We will also begin a large-scale tree propagation program at the Government’s nursery at Yarralumla and engage and involve the community in this substantial planting program.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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