environment · Randwick City Council
Randwick residents to weigh 19% urban forest target by 2060
The draft strategy will be exhibited for at least 28 days, with councillors requiring comparisons with the former 22% by 2040 target and NSW’s 40% benchmark.
Randwick residents will be asked to comment on a proposed 19 per cent tree-canopy target by 2060 after Randwick City Council approved public exhibition of its Draft Urban Forest Strategy 2026-2040.
The exhibition will run for at least 28 days across the Randwick local government area. The strategy covers long-term tree planting, canopy protection and planning for public spaces.
Councillors required the exhibition material and a later report to explain how the proposed target compares with Council’s previous 22 per cent target for 2040 and the NSW Government’s 40 per cent canopy benchmark for 2040.
Council also required baselines, target amounts or percentages, and target years for all outcomes and action points after community feedback. A report on the exhibition outcomes will return to Council after consultation.
The urban forest strategy was considered alongside an update to the Register of Significant Trees 2026, which Council endorsed.
An amendment from Cr Willington and Cr Veitch seeking broader criteria for trees and groups of trees that contribute to biodiversity, conservation and urban cooling was defeated. It also sought an ongoing nomination process, interim listing for newly nominated trees and additional protection for registered trees.
Cr Willington and Cr Veitch voted for the amendment. Cr Hamilton, Cr Magner, Cr Asgari, Cr Hay, Cr Gordon, Cr Luxford, Cr Martin, Cr Wilson, Cr Said and Cr Burst voted against it.
Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed canopy target before the consultation report returns to Council.
Separately, Council approved $25,000 for six school sustainability projects through the 2026/27 Sustainable School Grants program. Seven projects funded through the 2025 program were also recorded as completed and acquitted, with a total funded value of $24,100.
Reference minutes
This report is based on Randwick City Council’s Ordinary Council meeting of 22 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The Draft Urban Forest Strategy 2026-2040 will be publicly exhibited for at least 28 days.
- The proposed canopy target is 19 per cent by 2060.
- Council required comparison with its previous 22 per cent by 2040 target and the NSW Government’s 40 per cent by 2040 benchmark.
- The strategy must include baselines, target amounts or percentages, and target years for all outcomes and action points.
- The updated Register of Significant Trees 2026 was endorsed, while an amendment seeking broader biodiversity and urban-cooling criteria was lost.
- Council approved $25,000 for six Sustainable School Grants projects in 2026/27.
Why it matters
- The exhibition gives residents a formal opportunity to comment on Randwick’s proposed long-term canopy target and on how tree planting, canopy protection and public-space planning will be addressed across the local government area.