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Sydney's Gardens Vanish Under Concrete Driveways
18 Mar
Summary
- Front gardens in Sydney suburbs shrank by 46% due to redevelopment.
- Tree canopy cover decreased by 62% as older homes were replaced.
- Driveway and artificial surface areas increased by 57%.
Research in Sydney reveals a dramatic 46% decrease in average front garden size as older homes are replaced by larger, modern residences. This redevelopment trend has also resulted in a 62% reduction in tree canopy coverage. Concurrently, driveways and other artificial surfaces have expanded by 57%, now covering an average of 46 square metres.
Lead author Professor Peter Davies from Macquarie University noted that these incremental changes, often overlooked by policymakers, are transforming suburban character. The study, analyzing aerial imagery across 13 suburbs, found a lack of mandatory minimum private green space standards in current planning instruments. This is exacerbated by increasing car ownership and council requirements for larger driveways, leading to 'hard infrastructure' dominance.
The loss of private green space contributes to higher urban heat, reduced biodiversity, and diminished nature connections. While NSW aims for 40% canopy coverage across greater Sydney by 2035, current planning policies, which are discretionary, are insufficient to meet this target. Without intervention, neighborhoods risk losing their green character over time.
