ACT urban forest strategy aims for 30pc canopy cover by 2045

An Urban Forest Strategy designed to achieve a 30 percent canopy cover in Canberra by 2045 has gone on public exhibition.

Modelling undertaken by the CSIRO in 2019 indicates that 450,000 trees will have to be planted over the next 25 years to achieve this target.

The ACT Government is funding the planting of 25,000 trees as part of the first stage of a planting program.

Minister for City Services Chris Steel said: “Urban forest strategies have proven a great resource in many cities across the world such as Melbourne and Sydney.

“This plan draws on many of the best examples of how we can grow and protect our urban forest, including placing a high monetary value on the benefits of mature trees to protect them from development.”

Consultations close on 31 August.