Mucking in for National Tree Day

Residents in NSW, particularly Greater Sydney, are encouraged to get their hands dirty and plant as many trees as possible on National Tree Day.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the annual event had added significance this year, with the Premier’s Priority goal of planting one million new trees in Greater Sydney by the end of 2022 well within sight.

“We’ve passed the 800,000-tree mark and now we’re on the home stretch towards meeting this incredible milestone,” Mr Roberts said.

“Every tree planted and registered brings us one step closer and I know our communities will rise to the occasion.

“I’m getting out there this week to do my bit and will be on hand to help plant some trees at both school and community events around the city.”

National Tree Day was established by Australian not-for-profit organisation Planet Ark in 1996, and has grown into an important call to action for communities to come together to help green their environment.

Mr Roberts said the Government was proud to support the work Planet Ark does in encouraging Australians to take positive environmental action.

“As part of our partnership, all trees planted on National Tree Day in Greater Sydney will contribute to our one million tree target,” he said.

“I also want to thank our other partners - Greening Australia and Landcare NSW - who have helped us deliver more than 100,000 trees in areas of Sydney with low canopy cover, including in parks, schools, and community spaces.

“The community effort has also been incredible, with almost 65,000 trees claimed through our popular Free Tree Giveaway, and tens of thousands more having been planted and registered by Sydneysiders, all in aid of creating a greener, cooler and more liveable future.”

Schools Tree Day (July 29) and National Tree Day (July 31) are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with hundreds of community planting events planned across Greater Sydney and NSW.

For more information and event details, visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/national-tree-day-events