Hudson Park Tree Canopy Project

In 2019, Strathfield Council was one of 20 councils successful in securing a share of $5.3 million in grant funding to deliver more trees across Greater Sydney.

Strathfield has been undergoing significant change due to increased building density and a growing population, resulting in increased demand for quality open spaces.

Council responded by identifying opportunities to improve access to available public open space and amenity.

Before 2019, the Hudson Park Public Golf Course had been experiencing declining participation rates and council resolved to transform the golf course into a district park. The transformation of the public golf course provided a unique opportunity to deliver a new district park but also significantly increase tree plantings and canopy cover.

Hudson Park is one of Strathfield’s largest parks, stretching across 140,000 m² for residents and visitors to access and enjoy.

As part of the grant for this project, the Department funded over 1,265 trees to be planted at Hudson Park as part of the park’s transformation. The plantings aimed to deliver a cooler environment and attract birdlife by increasing the tree canopy by 62%, from 36,043 m² to an estimated 58,643 m².

The project delivered a 97% success rate of tree survival and today, the trees continue to mature to provide significant benefits to improve comfort levels of visitors and attract birdlife to the park.

These trees will provide a lasting legacy for future generations, and are already improving our local air quality, reducing heat in the area and providing a welcoming and enjoyable place for all visitors.

Strathfield Mayor, Cr Antoine Doueihi 

• Predominantly native plant species were planted including many Turpentine trees that were formerly indigenous and part of the Cumberland Forest. Other species included Blackbutt, Grey Box, Wollybutt, Ironbark, Honey Myrtle and others.
• Trees were partly selected for their ability to attract wildlife and birds to the area.
• Some exotic species were also planted as specimen trees to add beauty and shade along pathways.

Strathfield Council staff maintained the trees as part of the grant conditions to ensure a successful 18-month tree establishment period. Throughout the wet weather experienced in early 2021, staff took particular care of the trees to avoid water logging of roots. The project achieved a 97% success rate of tree survival. The trees are maturing steadily, providing much needed shade, act as a sound barrier and have already begun attracting birdlife into the Hudson Park precinct.