Greening Sydney Needs Parks And Urban Greening
The NSW Government announcement about funding $290 million for open space and for a Greener Sydney package is good news for Sydney, says the Urban Taskforce.
The NSW Government announcement about funding $290 million for open space and for a Greener Sydney package is good news for Sydney, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The NSW Government is clearly concerned about community reactions against the development boom currently underway and has launched a significant package for greening Sydney,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “
It is important that the package acknowledges more urban approaches to greening that include green walls, green roofs and the role of street trees in precincts of higher density. The Central Park project on Broadway is a good example of an apartment complex that includes a park as well as greenery integrated into the building fabric. Many Sydney developers are leading the way in terms of how to balance apartment living with greenery.”
“The Urban Taskforce is holding an Industry Breakfast on “Urban Greening” on Wednesday 11 April where experts will outline world and local trends in urban greenery (see below). Singapore is one of the leaders in urban greenery where floor space incentives are given for projects that incorporate green roofs and green walls. Singapore also has a major program to provide street trees and local parks within their urban areas.”
“The NSW Government should consider an incentive approach to encourage urban greenery particularly for large projects that include a number of buildings where there is more scope for incorporating greenery.”
“While the incorporation of greenery in urban areas is important the government must understand the difference between low rise suburban housing and high rise urban housing and ensure different standards and expectations for both circumstances.”
“The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the NSW Government and Sydney councils to achieve a good balance between the built and the green environment. The government will need to also work with roads and electricity agencies to ensure that street trees can be planted to shade bitumen roads to help reduce the heat island effect.”
