The NSW government will plant 2,000 trees in one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs as part of a trial project aimed at combatting the urban heat island effect.
Rosemeadow in south-west Sydney has an estimated tree canopy coverage of just 5.63 percent, one of the lowest in greater Sydney. Through the Rosemeadow Demonstration Project, the state’s planning department will explore ways to achieve its 40 percent canopy target by planting trees on public land, including streets, schools, open spaces, and around stormwater overland flow infrastructure.
Western Sydney is particularly vulnerable to the effects of urban heat island – research shows that on days of extreme heat temperatures can rise 10°C higher than in the eastern suburbs, resulting in unsustainable energy use spikes and higher mortality rates.
“Trees are our first line of defence against rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect, particularly in Western Sydney where temperatures in summer can soar to over 50 degrees,” said planning minister Rob Stokes.
“Rosemeadow has some of the lowest tree cover in Greater Sydney and it’s the perfect location to trial new ways to use canopy cover to combat rising temperatures.
“The research shows that we can also improve stormwater management by planting trees in stormwater basins, while also creating habitat for native animals and improving biodiversity.”
In collaboration with landscape architecture firm Realm Studios, E2 Design Lab and Spiire, the government will produce three reports detailing the methodology of the Rosemeadow project, which will be made available to councils looking to replicate the approach.
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said there was substantial open space, and opportunities for planting near schools and on residual land in Rosemeadow.
“Our aim is to create a greener, more pleasant Rosemeadow for the community to use, access and enjoy, while establishing a framework of best practice methodology that can be replicated by councils across the state”, he said.
“More high-quality open spaces across Greater Sydney provide the community with more opportunities to rediscover the joy of outdoor recreation, connect with nature, and improve wellbeing and active lifestyles.”
The NSW government first announced the Rosemeadow project in 2019, but the tree planting has been delayed due to COVID-19. The project will support the government’s wider goal of planting one million trees in Greater Sydney between 2017 and 2022.
