Two Hunter councils will share in more than $600,000 to help increase the “tree canopy” in their respective LGAs.
Lake Macquarie City garnered $366,850 from the NSW Government’s Greening our City program, while Cessnock City pocketed $250,000.
It comes after research highlighted shaded areas may be 11-25°C cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded surfaces.
So, the funding will go towards the planting of 250 trees across 13 suburbs in Lake Macquarie – from Cardiff to Cameron Park, Argenton to Glendale – and a further five locales in Cessnock.
Most are expected to be potted in regions with low canopy cover, with three-quarters slated for sites that currently have just 10-20% coverage.
It’s understood the initiative will cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality and support communities in areas that need it most.
Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager environmental systems Brendan Callander said street tree planting would reduce ambient heat, lower energy costs, enhance biodiversity and extend infrastructure lifespans.
“Targeting high-need suburbs ensures maximum benefit for our community, building resilience and creating cooler, more liveable neighbourhoods,” he added.
“It is a known fact that tree canopy coverage, by as little as 10%, can reduce urban temperatures by one degree Celsius.
“Greener neighbourhoods add to property values, pushing them up 3-5 per cent on average.
“This program aligns with council’s Urban Greening Strategy 2022-2032, too.”
Cessnock MP Clayton Barr also welcomed the announcement.
“Greening our towns and neighbourhoods in Cessnock LGA is about creating a better future for everyone,” he said.
“Planting trees and vegetation in the places we live plays a vital role in our health and wellbeing.
“I’m pleased the Greening our City funding has been extended to the Hunter to support communities, which will see more homes built in the coming years.”
For more community stories:
- Dedicated trio bestowed Port Stephens Medals
- Cessnock celebrates ‘true blue’ community spirit
- Lake Mac rolls out welcome mat for 100 new citizens
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