Sydney's New Suburbs: Hot 'Moonscapes' Lacking Trees

New suburban developments in western Sydney are emerging with critically low tree canopy coverage, earning them the description of "moonscapes" from experts. These areas, such as Melonba with just over 4% canopy cover, and Oran Park and Gregory Hills with around 4.12-4.42%, are predicted to remain significantly hotter due to inadequate planning for large tree planting.

Greater Sydney faces a significant challenge in achieving its target of doubling tree canopy to 40% by 2036. The current annual growth rate of tree cover is only about a tenth of a percentage point, far too slow to meet the ambitious goal. Despite a government program investing over $60 million to plant trees, this effort is not keeping pace with development.

Experts like Gwilym Griffiths and Professor Peter Davies from Macquarie University deem the 40% target unrealistic given current trends. They emphasize that new housing and adequate tree infrastructure must be integrated from the outset, as trees offer crucial benefits like temperature reduction and improved well-being.

Professor Sebastian Pfautsch of Western Sydney University highlights that developments on former farmland often result in minimal existing trees being preserved. Subsequent street plantings with smaller species and a lack of space for trees in private yards contribute to the "moonscaping" effect, limiting future canopy potential even with taller species on public land.