One of Sydney’s longest walking routes will be greener and cooler thanks to a tree planting project being carried out by Blacktown City Council and the NSW Government.
People on the 65 kilometre Great West Walk, which runs through Blacktown City to the Blue Mountains, can enjoy more shade and native flora and fauna following work on a popular stretch.
Council has planted 238 additional eucalyptus trees along a section of the Breakfast Creek corridor between Quakers Hill Parkway and Falmouth Road.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said people loved the leafy improvements to the Breakfast Creek corridor.
“Wandering through this corridor and taking in the sights and sounds of Blacktown City is one of the many delights of the Great West Walk,” Cr Bunting said.
“I’m delighted people can now do that and enjoy a cooler and more enjoyable experience.”
In addition to keeping walkers cool, the increased tree canopy will improve biodiversity and habitat.
In a later stage, more trees will be planted along the corridor from Falmouth Road to Breakfast Road.
This will provide walkers with a continuous corridor of canopy stretching from Quakers Hill Parkway to Breakfast Road.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces the Hon Paul Scully MP said Council was playing a vital role by increasing local tree canopy to provide much-needed shade which will reduce urban heat.
“This funding will help support important work being done around Blacktown to improve the environment as well making the area more beautiful for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Scully said.
“I am pleased that Blacktown Council has received $775,000 as part of the Greening the Great West Walk program to support their local environmental efforts.”
Representing the Minister, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said tree planting initiatives like this will improve the long-term health of residents.
Highlights of the Great West Walk in Blacktown City include Blacktown Showground, Nurragingy Reserve and Rooty Hill Historic Site.
Mayor Bunting said the ‘Greening the Great West Walk’ grant supported Council’s efforts to cool the city.
“Providing more tree canopy cover is just one of the ways Council is limiting the effects of extreme temperatures on the community.”
Council and Western Sydney University are conducting the first urban heat monitoring study across Blacktown City to better inform work to mitigate extreme temperatures.
Council is also reviewing its Development Control Plan to ensure builders use materials that reduce heat, and is working with the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce to identify new ways to limit heat impact.
