Trees

Tree Offset Strategy

Transport for NSW has worked with the City of Parramatta to develop the Parramatta Light Rail Tree Offset Strategy. The strategy aims to improve tree outcomes by planting new street trees and to contribute to urban greening across the Parramatta local government area.

It provides key principles for the selection of species and locations for the trees to be planted along the light rail alignment and within its vicinity such as streets, local parks and reserves.

An interactive online map is available on the City of Parramatta Council’s website showing the locations of the proposed tree plantings to be delivered as part of the PLR Tree Planting program.

Detailed plans and reports relating to trees can be found in our online resource library.

Native plants and trees near the Parramatta Light Rail 'Green track' in Cumberland. Copyright State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW).

Why are new trees being planted?

Trees are being planted to replace any trees removed to enable the construction and operation of the light rail.

Transport for NSW has partnered with the City of Parramatta Council to plant at least 2500 new trees by 2024. Separately, Transport for NSW is planting an additional 3000 trees across the Parramatta local government area as part of the light rail project. By 2024, there will be more trees in Parramatta than before as a result of the light rail tree planting program.

New trees are planted at a ratio of 2:1, 4:1 or to 8:1, depending on the diameter of the tree removed.

New trees will be planted:

• in and around the Parramatta Light Rail route
• in streets that urban heat mapping has shown are the hottest in the local government area.

How many trees are being removed?

Transport for NSW remains committed to retaining or replacing trees wherever possible. The 2017 Parramatta Light Rail Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) estimated that between 1900 and 2650 trees could be removed as part of the project.

This is required because some trees are in the path of the planned light rail network, and others need to be removed to enable construction work. The majority are not large or rated ‘high retention value’ as determined by an independent arborist.

The removal of vegetation and trees is completed in accordance with the relevant approved Flora and Fauna Management Plans. These outline how flora and fauna will be managed during Parramatta Light Rail construction. An independent arborist is responsible for reviewing and approving trees proposed to be removed.

Mature fig trees along the route

Five mature fig trees and 76 fig tree cuttings will be planted to replace a cluster of seven fig trees within the Cumberland Hospital precinct and three fig trees from the western boundary of Robin Thomas Reserve, Parramatta, that need to be removed for light rail works.

The mature fig trees and cuttings will be planted over the course of the next few years, once the fig tree cuttings reach above one metre in height.

Determining a tree's value

The trees that will need to be removed vary in size and species. The majority are not large or rated ‘high retention value’. A ‘retention value’ of ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’, is determined by an independent arborist. This is done by using a combination of values for each tree, including:

• environmental
• cultural
• physical
• social.

This is done according to the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists (IACA) Significance of a Tree Assessment Rating System (STARS).

Environmental analysis along Parramatta Light Rail route. Copyright State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW).

Size and species of new trees

Transport for NSW is collaborating with the City of Parramatta Council on the selection of new tree species, size and planting locations. Current species include:

• crepe myrtle
• spotted gum
• brush box
• magnolia.

A mixture of native and exotic tree species has been chosen to provide:

• habitat
• shade
• colour
• diversity.

This follows careful consideration of current tree performance in the local Parramatta area and the specific constraints of each street, such as overhead power lines and underground services.