A project to safeguard a vulnerable native tree species will also help make Camden greener and cooler.
The Connecting Camden White Gum project has secured $41,500 to plant 500 genetically diverse Camden white gum within the Nepean River corridor at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve.
It is all part of Greening Our City, a program to plant more than 40,000 trees across Greater Sydney.
“This is a wonderful boost to Camden and its unique white gum,’’ says the state Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves.
“Tree cover is so valuable for lowering heat, providing protection and enhancing our lives and this species is so precious to our heritage.
“This project ensures we end up with a cooler, greener Camden, and also strengthens the resilience of the Camden white gum, a species currently listed as vulnerable under Commonwealth and State legislation,’’ he said.
The local project is a collaboration led by Camden Council with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Australian Tree Seed Centre (CSIRO), University of Sydney, Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan, and Camden Airport.
Camden Council will also receive $441,200 to plant trees across the area as part of the Cooler Suburbs program.
“Trees are fantastic not only for providing shade to reduce temperatures, but also increase oxygen while enhancing our beautiful neighbourhoods,” says the mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli.
“The four projects selected will see many trees planted, including our iconic and a nationally threatened species, the Camden white gum, that will cultivate healthy and sustainable environments for our community.
“The planting of 500 Camden White Gums at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve complements previous plantings along the Nepean River at Rotary Cowpasture Reserve and the Camden Town Farm ensuring the long-term survival of this species.’’
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said planting more trees would bring enormous environmental benefits while making public spaces more attractive.
“This program will see trees planted in more developed areas like Miranda and Parramatta and in growing areas like Camden, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Hawkesbury,” he said.
