With concerns growing every day about global warming, more efforts are being made to reduce the impact of development by human populations.
Now there will be five million trees planted in Sydney by 2030 under a $37.5 million State Government program. To date, nearly 100,000 trees have been planted across Greater Sydney under the program. As part of the program, Hawkesbury City Council has received a grant for $12,500 to plant more trees, which Council will match with another $12,500.
Selected street trees will be planted over coming months in South Windsor and Bligh Park using the $25,000 funding. The program funding will also enable follow-up management over 12 months.
It is hoped that the extra trees will help to offset the urban heat island effect created in Sydney by increased development to meet housing supply targets.
Many councils throughout Australia have been implementing increased canopies for their regions over the years, including the Hawkesbury, so this is a welcome added initiative, the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Barry Calvert said.
"With the increased rate of development across Sydney, research has found temperatures are increasing, so anything we can do to help cool the Greater Sydney region has to be a good thing," the Mayor said.
"The aim is to grow Greater Sydney's tree canopy by planting more trees in streets, parks, bushland areas neighbourhoods and schools, front and backyards.
"More tree canopy means cooler suburbs by reducing the heat island effect, more wildlife habitat, more shade and more desirable properties," Councillor Calvert added.
"Council gives trees away at various community events to help keep our environment clean and green. Council also offers free trees and plants every year at Council's Tent at the Hawkesbury Show, just as we did at the recent Hawkesbury Show.
"Everyone is also welcome to buy plants from our specialised Community Nursery which has many native plants starting at just $1."
To find out about the best tree species for your area, visit the Hawkesbury Community Nursery at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave (next to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter). It is open to the public every Wednesday or by appointment by calling 4560 4651.
