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Briefing: Death of the front yard: The quiet change sweeping Sydney suburbs

Strategic angle: A new study reveals a significant shift in Sydney's suburban landscapes, with a decline in greenery and front gardens.

Editorial Staff · 2026-03-20 · 1 MIN READ

According to a study conducted by Macquarie University, Sydney's suburbs are undergoing significant changes in their streetscapes, leading to increased density and reduced greenery.

The research indicates that typical knock-down rebuilds are resulting in the elimination of nearly half of front gardens, which directly impacts local biodiversity and urban aesthetics.

Moreover, the study reports that over 60% of the existing tree canopy is being removed, raising concerns about the long-term implications for urban heat management and air quality.