Urban Greening Plan to create a greener Campbelltown

Media Release - 19 April 2023

Residents are being called on to share their insights and views on the importance of urban greening as part of a new survey to help develop an Urban Greening Plan for the city.

Following a comprehensive study of tree canopy across the LGA by industry leading environmental and remote sensing vegetation surveyors ArborCarbon commissioned by Council, Campbelltown’s first Urban Greening Plan is being developed with a view to increasing Campbelltown’s urban tree canopy, improving the health and well-being of residents, and creating a more sustainable and resilient environment.

The Plan will build on Council’s recent efforts to green local streets, parks and sporting precincts and inform future actions around tree planting and the management of the urban forest across the area as well as encourage increased canopy cover on private properties.

“Campbelltown has always been a place where people value our natural environment and bushland but just as important is the urban tree canopy that helps to keep our streets and homes cool and creates healthier communities while building the visual appeal of our city,” Mayor George Greiss said.

“The Urban Greening Plan will take a strict data-driven approach to increasing our urban tree canopy and inform decisions around tree planting and green infrastructure across our city,” Cr Greiss said.

“Increasing our tree canopy will take a whole of community approach that will require the involvement of private property owners and our parks and reserves, so we’re very keen to hear from residents about their views on tree species selection and sizes and the benefits and barriers they have to planting,” he said.

ArborCarbon’s findings showed tree canopy covered 44.9% of Campbelltown with the most significant located in areas near bushland such as Wedderburn (71.9%), and Minto Heights and Kentlyn (67.3%) while some suburban areas including Bow Bowing (6.3%), Englorie Park (8.7%), Bardia (9.4%) and Rosemeadow (9.5%) showed significantly less.

The Urban Greening Plan will target urban areas with low tree canopy and identify actions to increase trees and greenery across the area.

All survey respondents will go into the draw to win one of three $150 Bunnings gift cards.

The survey is open to all residents and businesses in Campbelltown and will close on Tuesday 2 May.