Parramatta Light Rail tree planting and neighbourhood improvement program
2023 Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting
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Trees play an important role in the ‘greening’ of our City. We know that a greener city means a cooler city, a cleaner environment and a happier and healthier community.
In 2019, City of Parramatta in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), completed a pilot tree planting program which saw 120 new trees added to our urban tree canopy in North Parramatta and Westmead.
Council worked with TfNSW to identify locations where the tree planting program would be able to best deliver the greatest benefit to the community.
As part of the joint program, 335 trees were planted in parks and reserves across the Parramatta area in July and October 2022.
In 2023, the joint-partnership program will deliver an additional 1,000+ trees in City streets and parks - our biggest planting season ever!
Starting in April 2023, new tree planting will focus on streets and parks in Carlingford, Dundas, North Parramatta, Oatlands, Rydalmere and Telopea. We’ll also be looking for Tree Champions to monitor the new trees and help them reach their full potential.
A further 1,000 trees are planned for 2024.
What types of trees are being planted?
The April 2023 planting will see 27 different species planted. Arborists will ensure tree types are suited to the proposed planting location with trees selected to perform well in the local environment. Constraints such as overhead powerlines, underground utilities, access requirements and existing street trees have been considered.
A variety of advanced trees including natives and exotics, evergreen and deciduous, have been chosen with the hope that these trees will contribute to our local biodiversity, be welcomed as part of the community, and provide a range of benefits now and into the future.
For details on the types of trees being planted and where, see our Parramatta Light Rail Tree Champion page.
Where will planting take place?
The project team has used a number of studies to identify the areas most vulnerable to the impacts of urban heat – those most likely to benefit from additional tree canopy – and streets with no or few trees.
Planting will take place in streets and parks across our Local Government Area with a focus on Carlingford, Dundas, North Parramatta, Oatlands, Rydalmere and Telopea.
For details on planting locations and trees selected, see the Parramatta Light Rail Tree Champions page.
Care for trees
Council will be maintaining our new trees for 12 months and is also looking for Tree Champions to help monitor the health of the trees and report if trees in their street or suburb are in need of extra care.
For details on how you can help our new trees become established and reach their full potential, see our Parramatta Light Rail Tree Champion page.
For information on where trees are being planted and how to get involved, see our Parramatta Light Rail Tree Champion page.
Please note, applications to become a Tree Champion will close Monday, 22 May 2023. Residents will be contacted in June with details of the program and if successful, will have trees allocated to them.
Please be advised there was an IT issue which prevented acknowledgement of receipt of applications being sent. If you did not receive confirmation your application was received, please resubmit your expression of interest before 22 May 2023. Thank you.
2022
(Back to top)October 2022
In 2019, City of Parramatta in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), completed a pilot tree planting program (see below for details) which saw 120 new trees added to our urban tree canopy in North Parramatta and Westmead.
Council worked with TfNSW to identify locations where the tree planting program would be able to best deliver the greatest benefit to the community.
As part of the joint program, 125 trees were planted in parks and reserves across the Parramatta area in July 2022 (see below for locations and details).
In October 2022, a further 210 trees will be planted.
Over the next two years, the joint partnership program will deliver an additional 2,200 trees in City streets and parks.
October 2022 Tree Planting Location Map - Click map to enlarge
Council and Transport for NSW have created a joint planting program with the aim of expanding our tree canopy and improving biodiversity. In most cases, a variety of species, native and exotic, evergreen and deciduous are planted.
The October 2022 Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting program is concentrating on larger species, with 210 advanced trees between 1.5m and 3m high, to be planted in parks and reserves across the City.
A number of native tree species have been selected to become part of the City of Parramatta’s urban tree canopy with consideration given to local conditions.
Locations and tree types for the October 2022 program include:
Constitution Hill
Alice Watkins Reserve
- Eucalyptus microcorys - Tallowwood
- Ficus hillii - Hills Weeping Fig
- Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' - Callery Pear
Arrunga Gardens
Dundas Valley
Fred Spurway Park
Lachlan Macquarie Park
Eastwood
Somerville Park
Ermington
Halvorsen Park
- Ficus hillii - Hills Weeping Fig
- Livistona australis - Cabbage Tree Palm
- Tristaniopsis laurina - 'Luscious' Watergum
North Parramatta
Old Salesyards
- Angophora floribunda - Rough-Barked Apple
- Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' - Callery Pear
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna' - Blueberry Ash
- Tristaniopsis laurina - 'Luscious' Watergum
Sherwin Park
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus 'Prima Donna' - Blueberry Ash
- Eucalyptus microcorys - Tallowwood
- Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' - Callery Pear
- Tristaniopsis laurina - 'Luscious' Watergum
Parramatta
Foreshore north
- Corymbia citriodora - Lemon-Scented Gum
- Corymbia maculate - Spotted Gum
- Ficus hillii - Hills Weeping Fig
Foreshore South
- Elaeocarpus eumundi - Smooth-Leaved Quandong
- Ficus hillii - Hills Weeping Fig
- Grevillea Moonlight
- Magnolia grandiflora - Little Gem Magnolia
Jubilee Park
Westmead
O'Connell Street Reserve
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Constitution Hill
Alice Watkins Reserve
Arrunga Gardens
Dundas Valley
Fred Spurway Park
Lachlan Macquarie Park
Eastwood
Somerville Park
Ermington
Halvorsen Park
North Parramatta
Old Saleyards
Sherwin Park
Parramatta
Foreshore North
Foreshore South
Jubilee Park
Westmead
O'Connell Steet Reserve
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A number of native tree species have been selected to become part of the City of Parramatta’s urban tree canopy with consideration given to local conditions. Trees planned for the 2022 program include:
Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt); Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint); Eucalyptus sclerophylia (Scribbly Gum); Ficus hillii (Hills Weeping Fig).
Learn more about some of our new trees by clicking on the links below:
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Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia with a two-way track spanning 12 kilometres, opening in 2023.
To enable the construction and operation of the Parramatta Light Rail, it was inevitable that some trees in the path of the light rail network were removed.
However, as part of its planning consent, Parramatta Light Rail is required to plant up to eight trees for every tree lost. As per the project’s Environmental Impact Statement and fact sheets available on the Parramatta Light Rail project website, 1,600 trees were impacted, a significant reduction on the original estimate of between 1,900 and 2,650 trees. This was the result of Transport for NSW significant measures to ensure positive environmental outcomes for the project, including modifying design and construction methods to reduce the number of trees impacted.
While it was sad to see these old trees go, Council is now planting new trees and asking for community support to ensure the young trees being planted to help offset the losses within our urban tree canopy are given the opportunity to grow and thrive.
With community support, these trees will help create shade, reduce pollution, and provide beautiful green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The new trees will also help reduce urban heat, as well as create more attractive neighbourhoods in Parramatta, now and for future generations.If you have questions about the Parramatta Light Rail project, please call TfNSW’s 24-hour community information line on 1800 139 389 or email parramattalightrail@transport.nsw.gov.au.
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Council and Transport for NSW have a number of planting programs with the aim of expanding our tree canopy and improving biodiversity. In most cases, a variety of species, native and exotic, evergreen and deciduous are planted.
The 2022 PLR Tree Planting program is concentrating on larger native species, with 125 trees between 1.5m and 3m, to be planted in parks and reserves across the City.
Tree types include Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt); Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint); Eucalyptus sclerophylia (Scribbly Gum); Ficus hillii (Hills Weeping Fig).
Learn more about some of our new trees by clicking on the links below:
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Planting will happen throughout October 2022.
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It is expected that work will take place Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm.
As this year’s planting is in parks and reserves, it is expected contractors will be able to access the site and complete their work with minimal disruption to neighbouring properties.
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No. To help the trees become established, Council will provide a watering and maintenance program and will continue to care for the trees for 24 months after planting.
However, we do ask that residents report any concerns about the health of the trees to Council.
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To report any concerns about newly-planted trees, please take note of the tree number on the identification tag attached to the tree(s) and contact City of Parramatta on 1300 617 058 or
plr-trees@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au -
Each tree planted as part of the Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting project has an identification tag to help the City of Parramatta track tree health and development.
We encourage residents to help maintain the well-being of these trees by taking note of the tag number and reporting any concerns to Council.
You can call us on 1300 617 057 or email plr-trees@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
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If you have questions about the joint City of Parramatta and Transport for NSW 2022 Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting program, contact the Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting team by calling City of Parramatta on 1300 617 058 or email plr-trees@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
If you have accessibility concerns, please contact the National Relay Service and provide them with the City of Parramatta contact number: 02 9806 5050.
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For information about the Parramatta Light Rail project, contact Transport for NSW’s 24-hour Community Information Line on 1800 139 389 or email parramattalightrail@transport.nsw.gov.au
July 2022
(Back to top)In 2019, City of Parramatta in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), completed a pilot tree planting program (see below for details) which saw 120 new trees added to our urban tree canopy in North Parramatta and Westmead.
July 2022 Tree Planting Location Map - Click map to enlarge
The program tested how we could provide new trees in key locations to help offset trees removed as part of the construction of the Parramatta Light Rail.
In 2022, the program will continue with 125 trees being planted in parks and reserves across the Parramatta area.
Council has worked with TfNSW to identify locations where the tree planting program will be able to best deliver the greatest benefit to the community.
Planting is expected to be completed by end-July 2022. As part of this joint partnership program an additional 2,400 trees will be planted in City streets and parks over the next two years.
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Carlingford
Harold West Reserve, Carlingford
Dundas
Dundas Park, Dundas Valley
Molly’s Way, Vineyard Creek Reserve, Dundas
Ponds Creek Reserve, Dundas
Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve, Dundas
Williams Reserve, Dundas
Ermington
River Park, Ermington
Up John Park, Ermington
Oatlands
Burnside Reserve, Oatlands
Rosehill
Biplane Park, Rosehill
Toongabbie
Sue Savage Reserve, Toongabbie
Winston Hills
Barnett Dog Park, Winston Hills
Bruce Cole Reserve, Winston Hills
Lions Park, Winston Hills
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A number of native tree species have been selected to become part of the City of Parramatta’s urban tree canopy with consideration given to local conditions. Trees planned for the 2022 program include:
Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt); Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint); Eucalyptus sclerophylia (Scribbly Gum); Ficus hillii (Hills Weeping Fig).
Learn more about some of our new trees by clicking on the links below:
Phase 1 complete
(Back to top)Phase 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail tree planting and neighbourhood improvement program now complete
City of Parramatta, in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first phase of the Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting Neighbourhood Improvement Program which saw the planting of 120 new street trees in Westmead and North Parramatta.
The program started in March 2019 testing how we provide new trees, in streets, parks and reserves throughout the City of Parramatta to help offset trees removed as part of Parramatta Light Rail construction.Trees in the nature strips include:
The nature strips in:
- North Parramatta
- Barney Street
- By Street
- Dunlop Street
- Harold Street
- Westmead
- Jessie Street
- Caroline Street
- Queens Road
Council will be watering and maintaining your new trees over the next two years to help them establish and grow in the right shape.
Each and every tree has a tree tag, so look out for it.
The tag includes important information about the tree type and a unique number which allows Council to identify its exact location.
Get in touch
(Back to top)If you notice any issues with the trees, simply write down the unique number call 02 9806 5050 or email plr-trees@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.
We will send a horticulturalist to look at it.
Who can I speak to about the program?
(Back to top)If you have questions you can get in contact with our Parramatta Light Rail Tree Planting team on 02 9806 5050 or plr-trees@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Parramatta Light Rail project
If you have questions about the Parramatta Light Rail project, you can contact the 24-hour Community Information Line on 1800 139 389 or email parramattalightrail@transport.nsw.gov.au
If you have accessibility concerns, please contact the National Relay Service and provide them with the City of Parramatta contact number: 02 9806 5050.
For non-English speakers, phone interpretation services are available via TIS National on 131 450.