Randwick backs 19% tree canopy target by 2060 after dropping 22% goal

Randwick City Council has backed a revised city-wide tree canopy target of 19% by 2060, after accepting its earlier 22% goal by 2040 was not feasible.

Councillors endorsed the Tree Canopy Target Feasibility Study and updated the Urban Forest Policy so the new target replaces the old one. The resolution also directs changes to the 2025-2029 Delivery Program and the 2026-2027 Operational Plan and Budget.

The new target comes with milestone figures for streets, parks and private land. The table in the resolution sets the 2040 target at 23-24% for streets, 21-22% for parks and 15.6% for private land. By 2050, the figures rise to 27-29% for streets and 22-24% for parks, while the 2060 targets are 37-38% for streets, 24-26% for parks and 15.6% for private land.

The wording added to the delivery program says Council will: “Monitor and increase support for trees planted, retained and maintained in order to increase canopy cover to support the Green Grid to meet the Randwick City target of 19% tree canopy cover by 2060.”

The change will feed into how Randwick manages street-tree planting, parks and planning controls across the city. It also sits alongside revised Development Control Plan Stage 2 changes adopted at the same meeting, including updates to landscaping, tree preservation, parking, water management, local character and active transport rules.

For residents and developers, the new target becomes the long-term benchmark for greening across the local government area. It will shape expectations for canopy retention and planting in future development assessments, as well as the council’s own street and park planting priorities.

Council’s earlier 22% target by 2040 has now been formally replaced rather than left in place alongside the new figure. The revised target will guide urban greening work across Randwick City for the next three decades.