This project tackled some of the Northern Beaches’ hottest zones by planting canopy trees across the Brookvale and Roseberry Street industrial areas, and John Fisher Park in Curl Curl.
These areas were dominated by hard surfaces like roads, footpaths and vast stretches of bitumen, so they absorbed and radiated intense summer heat. With canopy cover sitting as low as 0–10%, streets and carparks offered little relief and made outdoor spaces unwelcoming during warm months.
Greening the streets and fighting the heat
To combat rising temperatures, large, shade-casting trees were planted in footpaths and along carpark frontages. As these trees grow, their expanding canopies will lower surface temperatures, boost comfort, and transform harsh streetscapes into pleasant, inviting environments for residents and visitors.
The benefits extend well beyond cooling — urban greening reduces stress, supports mental wellbeing, and improves cognitive function, enriching people and places.
Hardy, native tree species were chosen because they are proven to withstand Sydney’s variable climate. These species, already used successfully in other council greening initiatives, offer a resilient and sustainable solution to urban heat.
Lessons and collaboration
After reviewing areas with high heat indexes, council identified a critical lack of canopy trees and vegetation, revealing gaps in the broader green network. The project successfully increased green cover and reconnected these urban patches to a cooler, healthier landscape.
Community support increased as residents embraced the vision of a greener suburb. Throughout the project, Northern Beaches Council received overwhelmingly positive feedback and requests for more tree planting in neighbouring streets.