The ACT Government’s tree planting effort is on track to help to cool the city, according to the government’s annual Urban Tree Canopy Coverage Report.

“Recent planting reporting reveals we’re on track to plant more than 64,000 trees by mid-next year, far exceeding the 54,000 we promised at the election,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services.

“More trees being established in our suburbs and city will strengthen Canberra’s resilience to the urban heat island effect, exacerbated by climate change.

“This is the fifth large tree planting that’s occurred in our city’s history, with the new stock set to grow canopy cover across our city, especially in new and emerging suburbs built after 1990.”

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.

The last measurement, in 2020, estimated that Canberra had 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 and Weetangera.

“As well as tree planting, the ACT Government has made investments in the budget in more tree maintenance staff to manage our large and ageing urban forest,” Mr Steel said.

The ACT Government’s tree planting program is supported by the introduction of the Urban Forest Act 2023 and the Urban Forest Strategy.

“From 1 January 2024, new laws to protect Canberra’s trees for a generation will come into effect, and for the first time, all of the trees planted on public land will be protected, as well as trees over 8m tall on leased land,” Mr Steel said.

Information sessions will be held for industry and the community throughout November to provide an overview of the new tree laws.

“The combination of more plantings, improved maintenance, and protection of existing trees will ensure that our city’s trees provide lasting benefits to generations of Canberra families,” Mr Steel said.

For more information, visit cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/urban-forest-strategy

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