No. 76

CANBERRA’S TREES AMONGST WINNERS IN 2007-08 BUDGET

The Stanhope Government will spend more than $1.5 million over three years ensuring the watering and safety of Canberra’s much-loved trees.

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves, said the funding would be used to maintain and water the city’s young trees and to remove hazardous and dead trees.

“The ongoing drought has had a profound effect on Canberra’s valued trees, with thousands rapidly deteriorating, or already dead. The city’s urban forest has been valued at over $1.2 billion and is well worth saving,” said Mr Hargreaves.

“Canberra is renowned for its tree-lined streets and suburbs. The ACT Government looks after 625,000 trees in our streets and urban parks, with many more in our extensive parks and reserves system.

“It is important that we maintain and care for our young trees, while at the same time removing hazardous or dead trees.

“This funding will see a large number of potentially hazardous trees either pruned or removed from high visitor use areas in parks and reserves, with an additional 2,300 dead or drought-affected trees removed from within the urban area.  

“The watering of young trees will give them every chance of survival throughout the current drought conditions and ensure that the ACT Government’s investment in these living assets continues to enhance community well-being,” said Mr Hargr