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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 25 January 2005 A GREENER FUTURE FOR WESTERN SYDNEY GROWS THROUGH 2005 NSW Minister for Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources said today that the newly created Western Sydney Parklands – a vast conservation and recreation area protected for future generations of Sydneysiders – will this year become home to over 35,500 more trees and shrubs. “The creation of the Western Sydney Parkland is part of the Carr Government’s strong and detailed plans for the future communities of Western Sydney. “The Parkland – the size of 25 Centennial Parks – links the recently announced land releases in North- and South-West Sydney which will eventually become home to around 250,000 people. “The Parkland will provide future generations not just with a beautiful and enjoyable open space, but will also underpin the health of the environment of western Sydney. “Sydney is growing by a thousand people a week and that growth has to be balanced with the protection and renewal of native bushland. “The regeneration of the Parkland is largely thanks to a strong partnership which has been forged between the Government and Greening Australia. “This partnership has resulted in the biggest urban regeneration project in the country – Greening Western Sydney. “As a result of this project, over 350,000 shrubs and trees have been planted; 104 kilometres of fencing have been installed and 250,000 plants grown from 250 kilometres of direct seeding. “It is appropriate that, on Australia Day, we say thank you to the many volunteers who are working on this project. “This year, around 2,500 hours of work will be performed by volunteers on projects coordinated by the Greening Western Sydney program,” said Mr Knowles. The ongoing ‘greening’ of the Western Sydney Parklands this year will include: - The planting of 35,000 trees and shrubs - The seeding of 55 kilometres across the Parklands - The production of 17,000 plants in the Greening Australia Nurragingy Nursery - Three community events over the course of which volunteers will plant 3,000 shrubs and trees - Ten school plantings either at the Nursery or the Parkland. -ends-   Media Contact: Kathy Connell 0419 239 178 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources