The ACT government’s urban forest strategy is “at risk” and future planting targets have been reduced because the program lacks appropriate planning, says the auditor-general.

In a report to the speaker for tabling in the ACT Legislative Assembly, Michael Harris says the Urban Forest Strategy 2021-2045 sets out the government’s objective to increase canopy cover to 30 per cent by 2045 by planting more than 450,000 trees on urban public land.

The audit found there are significant challenges to the successful implementation of the planting program by Transport Canberra and City Services. In response to these challenges, TCCS has reduced future planting targets from 2024-25 in the face of difficulties in securing in-house and contractor resources and an appropriate supply of stock, as well as a lack of available planting locations.

“Managing community expectations for the planting of trees is also a challenge as resident opposition to tree plantings also impacts program achievements,” the auditor says.

“Without appropriate planning to address the ongoing risks and challenges to the planting program, the achievement of the canopy cover goal is at risk.”

Mr Harris says his report makes 11 recommendations for actions to be taken by TCCS in order to meet tree planting targets and
achieve the 30 per cent tree canopy cover goal by 2045.