We know Canberrans highly value trees, shrubs, and green spaces as features that contribute to a liveable suburb. Trees have always been an important part of what makes Canberra a great place to live, work, and play. Trees also provide significant environmental benefits and play a key role in cooling our suburbs through their shade.
As Canberra grows and evolves and our climate changes, our city’s trees will be increasingly important. The time is right to renew and expand our urban forest in the face of these challenges.
We have set a clear direction for the future of Canberra in which trees will continue to have an important role. The Climate Change Strategy and Living Infrastructure Plan, both released in September 2019, set a tree canopy cover target of
30 per cent by 2045. Achieving this target will involve changes to the way the ACT Government manages our urban forest, including trees both on public land and on leased land.
Status: Closed
The draft Urban Forest Strategy for the ACT was released for community consultation in 2020. The final Strategy has now been released and will help ensure our trees and the bush capital character Canberra is renowned for is maintained into the future.
Status: Open
54,000 new trees will be planted across the city by 2023-24. We want your help in identifying where these trees should go.
Status: In Progress
The Tree Protection Act sets out how we protect individual trees on leased land in Canberra.
The review of the Act will seek to better manage trees on private property and the need to protect trees and offset their removal. We sought your feedback on the Act and your ideas on how to simplify the tree removal application process in late 2019.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
