The State Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has identified green spaces closer to homes and the planting of a million trees in greater Sydney by 2022 as two of her prime priorities for improving the standard of green, open and public spaces across the State.
Ms Berejiklian said the first of her priorities would be to increase the proportion of homes in the State within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space.
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
She joined the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to announce the planting of a million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022.
Mr Stokes said the program would contribute to the long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy,” Mr Stokes said.
He said the tree planting initiative was on top of the decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
