Taxpayers in Sydney could save $1 billion a year in health sector costs if residents had better access to shady tree canopy and nature, according to a new report by the Committee for Sydney. The think tank advocates for a series of new greenways and tree plantings across the city to mitigate urban heat island effects, particularly in areas targeted for higher housing density around train stations under the state government's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plans.
This healthcare savings estimate is based on a University of Sydney study that found people with greater access to tree canopy were less likely to require hospital treatment for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a previous Committee for Sydney report revealed that heatwaves cost Western Sydney $1.4 billion annually in productivity losses, health expenses, and household cooling costs.
Committee for Sydney policy lead Estelle Grech emphasized that these costs could be avoided with strategically placed tree canopy, which will become increasingly necessary as Sydney's population grows. She stated, "Billions of dollars are on the line if we don't get this right."
Greater Sydney's tree canopy was recorded at 21.7 percent in 2022. On Wednesday, the government announced the transfer of 28 hectares of land along the Duck River Corridor to Cumberland City Council to become protected open space, aligning with one of the greenway proposals from the Committee for Sydney report. Earlier this year, the NSW government allocated $35.1 million to 131 greening projects across Greater Sydney.
The report also highlights opportunities to revitalize disused waterways by planting trees and increasing public space, which could further enhance urban livability and health outcomes.
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