Households in Greater Sydney who've been feeling the heat in recent summers are being encouraged to try old-school technology to bring the temperature down - plant a tree.
And its free.
More than 25,000 trees will be given to residents in Sydney suburbs, while another 20,000 will be planted by councils as part of a program to make cities and towns greener.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes has launched a partnership with Bunnings at its Narellan store in Sydney's southwest to give away 26,500 trees to eligible households.
"Trees make a huge difference to our lives; they improve air quality, create habitats for our beautiful wildlife and are the best way to manage the urban heat island effect which we know is a particular problem in western Sydney," Mr Stokes said.
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said the tree giveaway was a great opportunity for the community.
"This is a great partnership where people can simply order a tree online and go and pick it up at their local Bunnings," Mr Sidgreaves said.
"The varieties available will change every month, so keep an eye out for native trees, flowering trees and even some fruit trees."
Mr Stokes also announced $9.9 million in grants as part of the Greening our City program for 20,000 trees to be planted in 23 council areas.
The program, first launched in 2018, is aimed at increasing Sydney's tree canopy.
"We're already more than halfway to meeting the Premier's Priority to plant one million trees by 2022 and every tree planted from each of these programs gets us one step closer."
Applications for a free tree can be made online and the local Bunnings store will be in contact when the trees are ready to be collected and planted. A variety of seasonal trees will be available between June and October.
For a list of eligible suburbs and participating Bunnings stores visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/free-tree
Australian Associated Press
