Government to create plan for more tree coverage in Australian cities

Greg Hunt says more 'urban canopies' will reduce heat within city environments and improve health outcomes

The environment minister, Greg Hunt, says the federal government will establish its vision for improved urban tree coverage within 18 months.

Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Tuesday, he said the government would work directly with cities throughout 2016 and 2017 to set decade-by-decade goals for the creation of "urban canopies".