Plans have been planted to increase and preserve the at-risk Northern Beaches’ tree canopy cover, which is currently one of the largest in the Greater Sydney area. Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Sue Heins, has warned it is facing ‘numerous threats’ and that the area could shed its precious canopy at a rapid rate unless urgent action is taken. Canopy is defined as a continuous foliage layer on the upper branches of trees over three metres tall.
Council’s draft Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan proposes the continued planting of 5,000 trees each year, measuring the tree canopy every four years, boosting community involvement to ‘green’ local areas, and creating an ‘iconic tree register’ for public land. “A healthy, protected tree canopy not only provides essential habitat for local wildlife, but it also improves the liveability of our communities and reduces the urban heat island effect,” Mayor Heins said.
Council is now seeking community feedback on the plans, which will prioritise areas including Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Dee Why, Curl Curl and Manly.
For more information, visit the Your Say section of council’s website.