Trees in Town: Street tree planting

About the project - Trees in Town

Increasing the Canopy Across Cessnock LGA

Cessnock City Council is delivering the Trees in Town - Increasing the Canopy Across Cessnock LGA project through funding provided by the NSW Government's Greening our City Program.

The project will deliver more trees and native planting in areas with low existing canopy cover, helping to create cooler, greener and healthier neighbourhoods across the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Project Overview

Trees play an important role in creating liveable communities. They provide shade, reduce heat, support wildlife, improve air quality and make our streets and public spaces more attractive and enjoyable places to spend time.

The Trees in Town project will deliver:

• 200 new street trees across five priority suburbs and townships
• 500 native understorey plants at Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
• Community planting and education activities
• Engagement with local community groups and First Nations stakeholders
• Ongoing establishment and maintenance of all plantings

At maturity, the project is expected to provide approximately 45,800m² of additional tree canopy, significantly increasing shade and cooling benefits in targeted areas.

Why is this project needed?

The project focuses on suburbs identified in the Cessnock Tree Strategy as having some of the lowest canopy cover in the LGA, with existing canopy levels ranging between approximately 8.7% and 13%. These communities are also expected to experience increasing urban heat impacts over coming decades.

By planting more trees in these areas, Council aims to:

• Increase shade along streets and active transport routes
• Reduce urban heat and improve comfort during hot weather
• Improve neighbourhood amenity and liveability
• Support local biodiversity and habitat connectivity
• Deliver actions identified within Council's Tree Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy
• Create greener and more attractive public spaces

Where will trees be planted?

The project includes street tree planting in:

Planting locations have been selected based on:

• Existing canopy cover
• Proximity to town centres
• Links to parks and community facilities
• Walkability and active transport opportunities
• Suitability for street tree planting
• Available verge space and infrastructure constraints

All final planting locations will be confirmed following service checks and site assessments.

Bridges Hill Park Biodiversity Planting

In addition to street trees, the project will deliver approximately 500m² of biodiverse understorey planting at Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock.

This work will include the planting of around 500 native plants to:

• Improve the appearance and amenity of pathway areas
• Enhance habitat for pollinators and native wildlife
• Strengthen ecological connections within the urban area
• Encourage community involvement through planting days

The understorey planting will utilise native species consistent with the local ecological community.

Tree Species

Street tree species have been selected for their climate resilience, suitability to local conditions, biodiversity value and long-term performance.

All selected species have been assessed as suitable for local conditions and future climate projections.

Community Benefits

The project will help deliver:

• Cooler Streets More shade means cooler footpaths, roads and public spaces, making it more comfortable to walk, cycle and spend time outdoors.
• Greener Neighbourhoods Trees improve the appearance of streets and help create more attractive places to live.
• Better Biodiversity Flowering trees and native understorey plants provide food, shelter and habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
• Healthier Communities Greener environments encourage walking, recreation and connection with nature.
• Climate Resilience Increasing urban tree canopy helps communities adapt to hotter temperatures and climate change impacts.

Community Engagement

Council is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project.

Engagement activities will include:

• Project information on this webpage
• Letterbox notifications to affected residents
• Community information sessions
• Community planting days at Bridges Hill Park
• Opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions

Feedback received from residents and stakeholders will be considered during detailed project planning.

Project Timeline

Get Involved

Council will be working with Hunter Region Landcare, the Friends of Bridges Hill community group and local residents to deliver this project.

Community planting days at Bridges Hill Park will be announced on this page and through Council's communication channels.

For more information contact Council on (02) 4993 4100.