Trees are set to become an election issue in Canberra, as the government is set to launch a strategy to plant 450,000 trees over the next 25 years.
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The ACT government has set a target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover in the territory in 25 years time, and it will on Monday launch an urban forest strategy and framework that includes funding for 25,000 trees as part of the first stage.
"One of the best things about Canberra is our spectacular urban forest and we need to retain and enhance this asset for future generations," said City Services Minister Chris Steel.
"This plan draws on many of the best examples of how we can grow and protect our urban forest including placing a high monetary value on the benefits of mature trees to protect them from development."
The government is also trialling "water sensitive urban design" for trees around urban infrastructure, with eight trees at Jamison shopping centre to be planted in a trench designed to harvest stormwater.
The Canberra Liberals have already promised to plant one million trees over the next 10 years, at a rate of 100,000 trees a year.
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Liberal leader Alistair Coe has promised increased green spaces as part of the party's election pledge.
He has accused Labor of allowing the tree canopy over the city to drop from 30 per cent to 21 per cent.
Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
