Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT Government’s effort to plant thousands of city-cooling trees is on track.
The ACT Government’s tree-planting effort to help to cool the city is on track.
New data released in the Government’s annual tree report revealed it is positioned to plant more than 64,000 trees by mid next year.
The initial target was 54,000 trees.
More trees being established in the suburbs and city will strengthen Canberra’s resilience to the urban heat island effect – something which is exacerbated by climate change.
This is the fifth large tree planting in the ACT’s history.
The new stock is set to grow canopy cover across the city, especially in new and emerging suburbs built after 1990.
In addition to the planting, the Government has invested in more tree maintenance staff to manage the ACT’s large and ageing urban forest.
The planting program is supported by the introduction of the Urban Forest Act 2023 and the Urban Forest Strategy.
New laws to protect Canberra’s trees for a generation come into effect from 1 January 2024.
For the first time, all trees planted on public land will be protected, as well as trees over 8 metres tall on leased land.
Information sessions for industry and the community will be held throughout November to provide an overview of the new tree laws before they come into effect.
It is hoped the combination of more plantings, improved maintenance and protection of existing trees will ensure Canberra’s trees provide lasting benefits to generations of Canberra families.
The ACT Government has set a target of 30 per cent canopy cover or equivalent by 2045.
Canopy cover is measured by LiDAR data, the scientific standard in determining tree coverage across Canberra’s urban footprint.
This is detailed in the annual Urban Tree Canopy Coverage Report which explains each suburb’s tree canopy data.
Canberra’s city-wide canopy cover was last measured in 2020, estimating that Canberra has a canopy cover of 22.5 per cent.
LiDAR data is updated every five years to determine the success of the tree planting program and urban forestry policies.
Suburbs with the highest levels of tree canopy cover above the 30 per cent target include:
- Isaacs
- Reid
- Aranda
- Cook
- Forrest
- Deakin
- Garran
- Braddon
- Weetangera
For more information visit: www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/urban-forest-strategy
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