Blue Mountains Council plants trees to combat urban heat

Blue Mountains Council has advised that it will be planting nearly 400 trees across three locations in lower Blue Mountains to combat increased temperatures associated with loss of tree canopy cover.

As a City surrounded by a World Heritage National Park, Council aims to minimise the impact of their urban footprint and be a model for sustainable living.

This project is part of the Greening Our City grant program funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW. The project involves canopy renewal to mitigate the ‘urban heat island’ effect which is an increase in temperatures in some villages and town centres.

Over the coming months, Council will plant 272 trees at Blaxland, 61 at Glenbrook and 51 at Winmalee. The locations selected for canopy renewal are those identified by heat mapping technology as a hot spot.

They are:

• Winmalee Commercial Precinct (Whitecross Rd, Stapylton St & Shelton Ave)

• Lennox Park, Blaxland, and

• Whitton Park, Glenbrook

Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill advises “this exciting project will increase tree canopy across affected locations in the lower Blue Mountains, helping to keep our towns and villages cooler, greener and more liveable in the hottest months.

“Council applied for, and received, $116,000 to plant nearly 400 trees in townships identified as experiencing an excessive build-up of heat, as a result of increased hard surfaces and tree canopy loss associated with urban development.

“Planting trees is just one part of our developing strategies to prepare, adapt and build resilience to any potential future impacts.”

Canopy renewal is an essential measure to address climate change, by providing vital shade that reduces ambient temperatures and mitigates the urban heat island effect.

The species to be planted are a mix of native Eucalpyt, other native species and Maples. The species have been chosen to:

• Complement the existing trees and planting layout within the streetscape or park.

• Respond to site constraints such as narrow verges, underground services and overhead power lines.

• Incorporate indigenous species to enhance bushland character of the locality and highlight species associated with threatened ecological communities.

• Enhance the village and park amenity by including deciduous Acer species (Maple) at suitable locations.

• Complement other Council projects seeking to improve water quality with rain gardens and biofiltration stormwater upgrades of drainage lines (Lennox & Whitton parks).

A landscaping contractor will manage and maintain the trees for 18 months after planting.

For more information go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/greening-our-city

Image: Tube stock for planting at the selected locations courtesy Blue Mountains Council