The 2021 round of grant funding awarded more than $9.9 million in grant funding to 28 projects in 23 councils across Greater Sydney.
As a result, Greater Sydney will have over 20,000 newly planted trees to boost urban tree canopy where there is low canopy coverage.
The funding will help projects addressing canopy deficits by planting trees in suburbs with low canopy cover and increased exposure to heat. Planting more trees to enhance tree canopy will provide vital shade that reduces ambient temperatures for local communities and help mitigate the urban heat-island effect.
Some projects include:
- Delivering trees along infrastructure corridors and through industrial estates in Penrith LGA. Residential and business communities will be engaged throughout the project to increase awareness of the value of canopy and cooling.
- Establishing trees across six sporting precincts and shared pathways in the Campbelltown LGA to benefit everyone.
- Increasing tree planting on public parks and open space targeting areas requested by residents at Canada Bay. A number of demonstration sites with street tree planting projects will also provide case study opportunities.
Importantly, the funding provides councils the support to plant trees in the ground and also ensure a successful establishment period of 12-months. Councils then continue to care for the trees as part of their routine maintenance programs.
Grant supporting materials
The program guidelines and frequently asked questions provide further details about the application process.
An online spatial tool and user guide were developed to assist in the submission and assessment of grant applications. The tool provides access to data about urban canopy cover, urban heat islands and heat vulnerability indices.
- Online spatial tool
- Online spatial tool quick reference guide (PDF, 61 KB) – a ‘how to’ for grant applications using the online spatial tool.
Watch our online tutorial about the Online Spatial Tool.
A water efficiency study was commissioned to provide guidance for councils to support responsible tree planting. Applicants were encouraged to draw on this study as part of their application.
The allocation of funding for the 2021 grant round prioritised suburbs with lower canopy levels. Outcomes of this assessment will be compared with projects in similar canopy ranges to determine the recommended funding allocation.
More information
This grant round is being administered by Local Government NSW on behalf of the department. For enquiries or more information, contact the team at [email protected]