In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 2025 , Cumberland City Council proudly marked a major milestone in its Covering Cumberland in Cool Canopies Project by planting its 1,000th tree.
The project was made possible through grant funding from the NSW Government’s Greening Our Cities program. It marks a major milestone in Council’s commitment to creating a greener, healthier, and a more sustainable Cumberland, with 1,000 trees planted across the Cumberland Local Government Area.
This initiative supports Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and the Urban Tree Strategy, to protect and expand green spaces, tackle climate change, combat urban heat, and support local biodiversity. With only 15% tree canopy coverage and nearly 50% of the area covered by hard surfaces, this initiative is especially critical for building a more resilient and liveable urban environment.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed has emphasised that initiatives like these are essential for addressing the area's low green canopy, while promoting innovative and well-designed ways to introduce greenery into neighbourhoods within existing infrastructure and building layouts.
“The planting of our 1,000th tree is not just a celebration of what we’ve achieved, but a reminder of what we can continue to accomplish together,” said Mayor Ola Hamed.
“With only 15% tree canopy across Cumberland, projects like these are critical. They help us cool our suburbs, support local biodiversity, and bring much-needed greenery into our neighbourhoods that were built long before sustainability was a priority. Through innovation, community engagement, and a shared commitment to a healthier future, we are transforming our city one tree at a time.”
Cumberland City Council has been actively leading a range of complementary greening initiatives across Cumberland. These efforts include the planting of additional 4,000 trees throughout the Local Government Area since 2020, supported by the NSW Government’s Greening Our Cities grant. Other initiatives include Native Plant Giveaways, upgrades to the Kibo Reserve Playground, the Adopt a Tree Program, and the construction of Australian-first led Cool Carpark Project, in Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands. Together, this work supports Council’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity, improve liveability, and build a cooler, greener Cumberland.
To raise awareness and encourage community involvement, informative plant spikes have been installed around the new tree plantings. These spikes include QR codes that provide translated information about the purpose of the plantings, their environmental benefits, and how they contribute to a greener Cumberland. This ensures that all members of Cumberland’s diverse community can connect and understand the importance of these efforts and their impact on their neighbourhoods.
For more information about Council’s greening and environmental initiatives, visit Cumberland City Council’s website at www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/local-environment or follow its social media channels.
