We're Greening Newnham!

In November 2023, the City of Launceston adopted its first Urban Greening Strategy. The Strategy aims to deliver a strategic greening approach that includes trees, shrubs, grasslands, structures (such as green roofs, walls and arbours) and other vegetation on public and private land.

As part of this work, we’re creating greening plans for priority suburbs. Newnham has been chosen as the second focus area, as it currently has low tree canopy cover (just 5–10%).

Newnham Precinct Plan

Newnham has some of the lowest tree canopy cover in Launceston. This means many streets and public spaces have limited shade, making them less comfortable for walking, spending time outdoors and enjoying the neighbourhood.

More street trees will help create cooler, greener and more attractive streets, while also supporting local wildlife and improving the overall character of Newnham.

The Newnham Precinct Plan sets out a long-term approach to:

  • Increase tree canopy
  • Provide more shade and cooling
  • Support local wildlife
  • Improve the look and feel of the neighbourhood

The plan identifies suitable planting locations and tree types across streets, parks and walking routes - focusing on areas that will benefit the community most.

Take a look at the Newnham Precinct Plan to see what is proposed, where planting will occur, and how the program will be delivered over the next five years.

Camira Street Before and After Greening

Slide right to see a current picture of Camira Street and slide left to see an artist's impression of what it could look like with trees and shrubs.

Camira Street Before: Camira Street Before Camira Street After: Camira Street After

Parklands Parade Before and After Greening

Slide right to see a current picture of Parklands Parade and slide left to see an artist's impression of what it could look like with trees and shrubs.

Parklands Parade Before: Parklands Parade Before Parklands Parade After: Parklands Parade After

Newnham Precinct Zones

FAQs

Precinct plans help guide where and how tree planting will occur across priority suburbs over a five-year period. They aim to create greener, cooler streets and public spaces.

The plans identify priority streets and locations for planting, and set annual targets for delivery.

They also outline what trees are proposed, where planting will occur, when it will happen, and why these locations have been selected.

Explore the Newnham precinct plan here!

Examples of tree species that are being planted include:

Tasmanian native species

  • Eucalyptus amygdalina – Black Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus pulchella – White Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus risdonii – Risdon Peppermint

Australian native species (non-Tasmanian)

  • Callistemon viminalis – Weeping Bottlebrush
  • Melaleuca linariifolia – Snow-in-Summer / Flax-leaved Paperbark
  • Eucalyptus ‘Euky Dwarf’ – Dwarf Yellow Gum (cultivar)
  • Tristaniopsis laurina – Water Gum
  • Corymbia ficifolia – Red Flowering Gum
  • Corymbia eximia – Yellow Bloodwood
  • Syzygium australe – Lilly Pilly
  • Hakea laurina – Pincushion Hakea
  • Elaeocarpus reticulatus – Blueberry Ash

Exotic species

  • Nyssa sylvatica – Black Tupelo
  • Lagerstroemia indica – Crepe Myrtle
  • Acer campestre – Hedge Maple
  • Ulmus parvifolia – Chinese Elm
  • Pyrus calleryana – Callery Pear
  • Fraxinus angustifolia – Narrow-leaved Ash
  • Pistacia chinensis – Chinese Pistachio
  • Pyrus betulifolia – Birch-leaved Pear
  • Pyrus salicifolia – Willow-leaved Pear
  • Acer buergerianum – Trident Maple
  • Carpinus betulus – European Hornbeam
  • Parrotia persica – Persian Ironwood

Trees for Newnham have been selected by focusing on planting the right tree in the right place. This means choosing trees that will grow well in each location, considering things like space, soil, climate and nearby services.

We’ve also looked at what’s already growing in Newnham and chosen a mix of different species to improve diversity. Having a wider variety of trees helps create a healthier, more resilient urban forest, supports local habitat, and makes sure our streets continue to look great into the future.

Council will deliver the works in stages.

Newnham has been divided into four planting zones. Street tree planting will happen across these zones over four years.

After the street tree planting is complete, Council will focus on more planting and greening works in Newnham’s parks and reserves over the following two years.

The precinct plan helps us decide which streets to plant first and sets targets for each year.

To make the program more efficient, Newnham has been divided into four zones. Streets in each zone will be planted one year at a time, starting with Zone 1 in winter 2026.

Zone 1 covers streets north of and including Tompsons Lane, and east of and including Alanvale Road.

Zone 2 includes streets north of and including Tompsons Lane, and east of and including Alanvale Road.

Zone 3 includes streets west of Alanvale Road and north of University Way.

Zone 4 covers streets south of and including University Way, west of George Town Road, and north of the Newnham suburb boundary.

Check out the full precinct plan for Newnham here!

Planting works are expected to begin from July 2026.

Residents will receive a letter outlining the project prior to tree planting commencing in their street.

Before planting, Council will check each location on site. This includes looking at underground services, overhead powerlines, driveways, footpaths, road safety, sightlines, verge space and the mature size of the tree.

Residents may notice:

  • Site inspections and marking of proposed planting locations
  • Minor preparation works before trees are planted
  • New street trees being planted in nature strips or public areas
  • Watering and maintenance of young trees
  • Temporary parking or access impacts while planting crews are working nearby

Council will plant and care for new street trees on public land. Residents are not expected to water or maintain Council-planted trees, although any extra care from nearby residents is always appreciated.

Coming soon!

Private gardens and front yards will also play an important role in creating a greener, cooler Newnham.

Council is developing a Greening Incentive Program to help residents plant more trees and vegetation on their properties. The program will provide trees for residents to plant in their own backyards.

The program will be introduced in stages, generally in the same areas where Council is planting street trees at the time. More information will be provided as the program is finalised.