Tree Canopy Growth Across Sydney Could Cut Health Costs By $1 Billion

Greater Sydney could save about $1 billion in annual health costs by increasing access to tree canopy and natural spaces, according to a report by the Committee for Sydney.

The report proposes expanding green infrastructure across the city through a network of greenways, tree planting projects and connections between existing waterways and public land. The proposal comes as Greater Sydney’s population grows and new housing developments are planned around transport hubs.

The estimated health savings are based on research from the University of Sydney, which found people with greater access to tree canopy were less likely to require hospital treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Committee for Sydney policy lead Estelle Grech said increasing canopy coverage would help address health and financial costs associated with urban environments.

“Billions of dollars are on the line if we don’t get this right,” Ms Grech said.

“That’s a cost to people’s health, their budgets, but also the state’s health budget.”

Greater Sydney currently has 21.7 per cent tree canopy coverage, based on 2022 figures, below the NSW Government’s target of 40 per cent canopy cover by 2036.

The distribution of canopy is uneven across the city. Areas including Hornsby, Roseville and Lindfield have more than 30 per cent canopy access, while western Sydney locations such as St Marys and Lidcombe have less than 10 per cent.

The Committee for Sydney report identifies publicly owned land, including areas managed by councils and Sydney Water, as opportunities for new planting. Proposed greenways include a route connecting Prospect Reservoir to the Cooks River and another linking the Parramatta River to the Georges River through areas including Auburn, Yagoona and Bankstown.

Ms Grech said the proposed routes could provide opportunities to increase canopy and public space.

“It’s really [an] opportunity to use disused waterways that need some love, plant them out, increase tree canopy but also increase public space,” she said.

The NSW Government has established the Blue Green Grid Committee to coordinate planning between agencies responsible for parks and waterways. Planning Minister Paul Scully said increasing green space alongside development was a priority.

“The challenge to provide more green space alongside more homes and jobs is one I take seriously,” Mr Scully said.

The government has also announced the transfer of 28 hectares of land along the Duck River Corridor to Cumberland City Council for protected open space.