Grants Now Open for Canopy Cover and Cooler Suburbs

Community groups, businesses and Northern Beaches Council are being invited to apply for a share of $12.5 million in funding from the NSW Government to support increased local tree canopy cover and innovative tree planting projects.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the funding will help councils and communities enhance their tree planting activities in streets, parks and plazas.

“Our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how much we treasure our quality green, open and public spaces,” Mr Griffin said.

“I encourage councils, community organisations and local businesses to get involved and help us create more canopy cover, cooler suburbs and better habitat for our local birds and wildlife.”

Councils will have access to up to $10 million in matched funding to enhance their tree planting activities with priority given to areas of Greater Sydney with lower canopy cover.

The fund also includes $2.5 million for community groups, researchers and the private sector to partner with councils on innovative tree planting and greenery projects, like green roofs and walls.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the program builds on a successful funding round in 2019 which saw 20 councils win grants for 32 projects to deliver 21,000 new trees across Greater Sydney by October 2020.

“Partnering with local government, the community and the private sector will help us grow a greener city,” Mr Stokes said.

“Greening our city also means making sure the right trees are planted in the right locations and are suitable for our climate both now and in the future.

“We’re calling for proposals or projects, big or small, and every idea counts to help us green our city. Tell us how you want to work with us to deliver one million trees planted and registered across Greater Sydney by 2022.”

Applications for Greening our City grants and partnerships are now open until 19 August 2020.

For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/greeningourcitygrants