$2m to support council greening projects across SA

MEDIA RELEASE

Councils across the state can now apply for funding up to $200,000 to help plant more trees to keep local streets and open spaces green and cool, with the opening of a third round of the Greener Neighbourhoods grants program to coincide with National Tree Day today.

Round three of the grants includes a total of $2 million of funding available for councils to green their neighbourhood. Since the grants began in 2019 more than $1.6 million has been invested in council greening projects with more than 8,500 trees and shrubs being planted.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs, who today joined the local community to plant trees at Glenthorne National Park, said the grants have helped accelerate greening across metropolitan Adelaide for the local community and given nature a much-needed boost.

“We know greener suburbs have lower temperatures, better air and water quality and increased biodiversity and the Greener Neighbourhoods grants program will significantly boost the number of trees being planted across South Australia,” Minister Speirs said.

“Thanks to these grants nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs are being planted across metropolitan Adelaide and with our multi-million-dollar expansion of the program in the 2021-22 State Budget will result in the planting of thousands more.

“Urban greening is an example of practical action to tackle climate change and provides important benefits for physical and mental health and wellbeing and improves the liveability of our suburbs.

“The Greener Neighbourhoods Grants program is a great example of practical on-ground greening delivered in partnership with councils and is all part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s record investment to improve conservation.

“Adelaide has just been ranked the third most liveable city in the world and programs such as this as well as our push to become a National Park City further enhances our growing global reputation as one of the safest and most attractive places in the world to live, work and raise a family.”

Green Adelaide Presiding Member Professor Chris Daniels said that the grants program is another way Green Adelaide is creating a cooler, greener and wilder Adelaide for everyone to enjoy.

“As well as reducing urban heat and increasing liveability, greening provides homes for animals, and supports people’s physical and mental health through a better connection with nature.

“These council grants will also support and contribute to our journey to make Adelaide a National Park City. With this title, Adelaide will draw local, national and international awareness, focus and investment to become an even more liveable city.”

Applications for the third round of the Greener Neighbourhoods Grants program are open from 1 August to 10 September 2021.

Councils applying for funding must contribute at least 50 per cent of the project. Councils are able to apply for funding between $15,000 and $200,000.

To find out more visit: greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/grants.