Concern proposed planning law change to increase number of trees in Canberra could drive up house prices

Canberra could soon double down on its reputation as the bush capital under proposed changes to planning laws, which would result in more trees being planted in newer suburbs. Key points: The ACT Greens have put forward a proposed variation to the Territory Plan, which would require new residential developments to have 20 per cent tree canopy coverage As urban heat islands grow across Canberra, some welcome the proposed changes But others warn that as the capital's housing market skyrockets, more regulations could drive up the costs of building The potential changes to the planning laws would compel new residential developments to have at least 20 per cent tree canopy coverage. ACT Environment Minister and Greens MLA Rebecca Vassarotti said the proposed changes would ensure green space and cooler temperatures for some of Canberra's newer suburbs. ACT executive director of the Housing Institute of Australia, Greg Weller, said he had "great concerns" about the proposed law changes. "I think there's a genuine alternative to planting a large, significant tree in the backyard, by increasing the number of plantings out on the verge and also in public, open space within new suburbs, and that would allow for better management of those trees as they grow," he said.