Unley is known for its leafy streets and beautiful character, but did you know we’re losing trees faster than we can plant them?

Right now, Unley’s tree canopy sits at 25%, well below the State Government target of 31%. For every oval-sized patch of trees planted, two ovals’ worth are removed. If nothing changes, our kids could grow up in suburbs with just 15% tree cover, half of what’s needed to keep our neighbourhoods cool and livable.

Why should we care?

Trees are not just pretty, they are lifesavers. On a 40°C summer day, our suburbs can feel like 50°C without the natural shade and cooling trees provide. Less canopy also means:

• Hotter, windier streets

• More flooding and poorer water quality

• Less biodiversity with fewer birds, bees, and wildlife

• Higher health risks including heat stress, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health impacts

• A loss of Unley’s unique “sense of place”

  
  

What’s the challenge?

Council has been planting trees where it can, but by 2028 we will run out of street space. Meanwhile, new developments are removing trees permanently, leaving little room for greenery.

What’s the solution?

Rules already require developers to plant trees, but the reality is they often find loopholes such as planting a sapling in a pot. Enforcement is costly and does not deliver the results we need.

That is why a smarter idea is on the table:

• A 10% rate incentive for new builds that use more land, until they reach 15% tree canopy cover.

• If that 15% is not achieved, the funds go directly into buying land to plant more trees.

  
  

This way, growth in Unley does not mean sacrificing our tree canopy. Instead, it makes sure developers contribute to the solution.

The good news: Existing homeowners will not pay more. This incentive only applies to new developments that increase the building footprint.

With this approach, we can protect Unley’s leafy character, keep our streets cooler, and build a healthier future for everyone.