New developments in Brisbane will now be required to set aside 15 per cent of the total land size to plant large subtropical trees that will not be overshadowed or planted over pipes or underground car parks.
The requirement, which is known as deep planting, is designed to add to Brisbane's urban tree cover, help reduce urban heating and heat island effects, and create a more attractive city landscape.
The minimum for deep planting was previously 10 per cent for each new development, but in 2019 the council agreed to amend the City Plan 2014 to expand that to 15 per cent.
The amendment passed through the council on Tuesday, three years later, at the last council meeting for the year.
"Our objective is to get more, healthier, bigger trees within new developments," city planning chair Adam Allan told the council meeting.
"Obviously, that's for not only the tenants but the community at large."
Delays to progress
Greens councillor Jonathan Sriranganathan, whose party had pushed the expansion of the minimums for years, said he was disappointed it had taken so long between the 2019 commitment and the amendment finally coming through council.
"In that time, we've had dozens, if not hundreds of major new developments approved under the old 10 per cent deep planting," he said.
"We've missed out on a lot of opportunities to secure more land for trees in the inner city in particular."
Labor councillors supported the change, but Opposition leader Jared Cassidy said he was concerned the amendment would not be enforced sufficiently, a point independent councillor Nicole Johnston agreed with.
In 2020, the council implemented a 50 per cent off infrastructure charges rebate program for developers whose projects meet a certain set of "green" requirements, which included more greenery and shade.
An ambitious project from Brisbane developers Aria to create the world's greenest apartment tower with foliage covering the entire building was spiked earlier this year following a court appeal and rising construction costs.
