Cumberland City Council has marked a significant milestone in its environmental efforts, celebrating the planting of its 1,000th tree as part of the Covering Cumberland in Cool Canopies Project.
The achievement, which coincided with World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, underscores the Council’s commitment to creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for the Cumberland Local Government Area.
Funded through the NSW government’s Greening Our Cities program, the initiative is a critical step in addressing the area’s low tree canopy — currently just 15 per cent — and high proportion of hard surfaces, which cover nearly half of the region.
The project supports the Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and Urban Tree Strategy, aiming to expand green spaces, tackle climate change, combat urban heat, and boost local biodiversity.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed highlighted the importance of the project, stating: “The planting of our 1,000th tree is not just a celebration of what we’ve achieved, but a reminder of what we can continue to accomplish together.
“With only 15 per cent tree canopy across Cumberland, projects like these are critical.
“They help us cool our suburbs, support local biodiversity, and bring much-needed greenery into our neighbourhoods that were built long before sustainability was a priority.
“Through innovation, community engagement, and a shared commitment to a healthier future, we are transforming our city one tree at a time.”
To foster community involvement and awareness, the Council has installed informative plant spikes around the new tree plantings.
These spikes feature QR codes that provide translated information about the trees’ environmental benefits and their role in creating a greener Cumberland, ensuring the city’s diverse community can connect with and understand the project’s impact.
The Cool Canopies Project is just one of several initiatives led by Cumberland City Council to enhance urban greenery.
Since 2020, the Council has planted an additional 4,000 trees across the Local Government Area, also supported by the NSW government’s Greening Our Cities grant.
Other efforts include:
- Native Plant Giveaways
- Upgrades to the Kibo Reserve Playground
- The Adopt a Tree Program
- The Australian-first Cool Carpark Project at Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands
These programs collectively support the Council’s broader mission to improve biodiversity, liveability, and climate resilience throughout Cumberland.
With urban heat and limited green space posing ongoing challenges, the Cumberland City Council’s sustained focus on tree planting and innovative greening projects signals a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.