Creating more quality green spaces closer to homes and increasing the tree canopy by planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022 are two new Premier’s Priorities announced today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the first of the priorities is to increase the proportion of homes in towns and cities across NSW within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space.
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
Ms Berejiklian joined Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to also announce planting one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 is another Premier’s Priority.
Mr Stokes said the program will contribute to the Government’s long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.
“We’re backing councils like Campbelltown City Council to increase the tree canopy cover across Sydney through funding and support,” Mr Stokes said.
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy.”
The plans announced today are on top of the NSW Government’s decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
The two Premier’s Priorities have been unveiled after Monday’s announcement to increase the number of public school students in the top two NAPLAN, or equivalent, bands for literacy and numeracy by 15 per cent by 2023.
Ms Berejiklian will reveal her full Premier’s Priorities later this week.
