Inner West Council Releases Draft Urban Forest Policy to Revive Aging Tree Canopy

New Strategy Aims to Grow Tree Coverage, Boost Biodiversity and Future-Proof Marrickville’s Urban Forest

More on Marrickville

Inner West Council has released a draft Urban Forest Policy aimed at creating a consistent and sustainable approach to managing trees across the local government area.

The policy, now on public exhibition for 28 days, seeks to address the challenges of an aging and inconsistent tree population following the 2016 merger of Ashfield, Leichhardt, and Marrickville councils. Each former council had its own outdated strategies, leading to fragmented practices and suboptimal outcomes.

Between 1972 and 2003, over 41,500 trees were planted across the region. Many are now mature, and a recent tree audit found 60% of the population is aging, with fewer young trees replacing them. The Council says a unified strategy is needed to ensure the tree canopy can thrive into the future.

The draft policy outlines a Strategic Action Plan that will guide how trees are planted, maintained, and renewed on both public and private land. It sets out to increase canopy cover, boost biodiversity, reduce infrastructure conflicts, and support climate resilience.

Large trees like eucalyptus and melaleuca were previously planted in narrow verges, creating issues with roots and overhead growth. The new strategy prioritises better species selection and site-appropriate planting.

The policy also aims to engage residents through community planting days and education campaigns. Tree management will be better integrated into urban planning and development processes, and new canopy targets will be embedded in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.