Northern Beaches Council has adopted a new Tree Management Policy that supports the community’s views of protecting and enhancing the green canopy.

The new Tree Management Policy replaces the five existing tree-related policies from the former councils and aims to increase tree cover by enhancing protection measures, promoting new or replacement planting, and improving the retention and long-term survival of healthy trees.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said, “The Northern Beaches has an estimated 12 million trees, the greatest tree canopy in metropolitan Sydney, and with the support of the community we continue to take action to protect, retain and maintain these trees.

“Together we have increased tree coverage on the Northern Beaches by 485 hectares (or 485 football fields) and have been planting over 5000 trees yearly since 2019.

“This new policy recognises the significant benefits provided by trees, including air quality improvement, soil protection, water quality enhancement, carbon sequestration, energy conservation, noise reduction, urban cooling, and habitat for local wildlife.

"The new Tree Management Policy not only supports our community's commitment to preserving and planting trees it looks to improve the connectivity within and between natural and urban areas.

"Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our community, and this policy ensures we continue to protect and grow our tree canopy benefiting both current and future generations," Mayor Heins added.

For more information about the Tree Management Policy, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.