AlburyCity has adopted the Urban Forest Strategy, setting a clear direction for how tree canopy will be increased across the city in response to climate change and future growth.

The strategy establishes a target of 30% urban tree canopy cover by 2050. To achieve this, annual tree planting will increase from around 2,000 trees to more than 6,000 each year over the next decade.

The Urban Forest Strategy provides a long-term framework to guide planting, species selection and canopy growth across both public and private land. It includes five strategic goals supported by 29 actions, along with a Street Tree Master Plan and Planting Palette to guide delivery.

Community input has played a key role in shaping the strategy, with feedback received during public exhibition helping refine the final approach.

With 61% of land in Albury privately owned, achieving the canopy target will rely on continued community participation alongside Council-led planting programs.

An Implementation Working Group will now be established to develop a detailed cost analysis and guide delivery. Progress will be tracked through annual public reporting, with a full review of the strategy every five years.

The strategy is available to view here

Albury’s urban forest includes all the trees and vegetation across public and private land that support biodiversity, reduce heat, filter air and water, and improve our community’s wellbeing. Currently, urban Albury has only 13.2% canopy cover, which is declining. The draft UFS sets a clear goal: increase canopy cover to 30% by 2050.

The draft UFS provides a roadmap for:

• Protecting and valuing our existing trees
• Expanding tree canopy in priority areas
• Creating a more diverse and resilient urban forest
• Partnering with the community to grow canopy cover on private land (61% of urban land is privately owned)
• Building Council’s capacity to manage and maintain our trees into the future

A healthy, resilient urban forest brings wide benefits:

• Environmental – cooler streets, carbon storage, stormwater management, improved biodiversity
• Community – reduced stress, better mental health, safer and more welcoming public spaces
• Economic – higher property values, reduced energy costs, stronger local tourism and recreation opportunities

Without action, canopy decline will increase heat, reduce liveability and make Albury less resilient to climate change. The UFS ensures we plan long-term for a greener, healthier and more sustainable city.

Our Urban Forest Officer worked in collaboration with internal staff, and multiple consultants over a number of years to deliver this important strategy for our community:

• A Technical Report (2023) provided local data and scientific evidence
• Extensive community engagement (July–September 2024) captured over 400 contributions via surveys, workshops, pop-ups and submissions
• Consultants GbLA combined technical findings and community feedback to create the draft Strategy, supported by a Street Tree Master Plan, Planting Palette and detailed Action Plan

Draft Albury Urban Forest Strategy

Draft - Appendix A

Draft - Appendix B

We welcome your feedback on the DRAFT Urban Forest Strategy. Submissions will be received until 5pm Monday 21 October 2025 and can be submitted via the form below or addressed to:

Urban Forest Officer
PO Box 323
Albury, NSW 2640

or email us at:

info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

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