Draft Urban Forest Strategy sets bold target for greener Albury

The draft UFS sets a bold and measurable target: achieving 30% canopy cover across urban Albury by 2050. To deliver this outcome, Council will need to significantly increase annual tree planting from 2,000 to more than 6,000 trees per year over the next decade.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the strategy provides a clear roadmap for achieving long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.

“This is about laying the groundwork now for a healthier and more climate-resilient city for future generations,” Mayor Mack said.

“A strong and connected urban canopy cools our city, supports biodiversity and improves liveability for everyone in our community.”

The draft UFS outlines five strategic goals supported by 29 targeted actions, alongside a Street Tree Master Plan and Planting Palette. It sets out priority areas for intervention and establishes a framework for collaboration across all sectors of the community, noting that 61% of Albury’s land is privately owned and much of it lacks adequate canopy cover.

Mayor Mack said community involvement will be critical to realising the strategy’s vision.

“We can’t achieve 30% canopy cover by 2050 on our own – we’ll need to work closely with residents, businesses and community groups,” he said.

“Everyone has a role to play in building a greener Albury.”

The draft UFS is informed by contemporary urban forestry principles, aligned with the NSW Greener Neighbourhoods Guide, and supports Council’s Corporate Success Pillar “An Enhanced Natural Environment”. It provides a fiscally responsible and evidence-based framework for coordinated implementation across public and private land.

Community input has been integral to the strategy’s development, with more than 400 contributions received through surveys, drop-in sessions, interviews and workshops during 2024.

The draft UFS will be placed on public exhibition until Friday 24 October 2025, providing the community with a further opportunity to contribute feedback before Council considers adoption of the final strategy.

You can view the strategy and provide feedback on AlburyCity’s Engaging Albury platform.