Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Urban Forest Fund Grant provides funding between $30,000 and $100,000 to support greening projects on private property within the City of Melbourne. Projects can include tree planting, green roofs and walls, biodiversity planting, laneway greening, and water-sensitive urban design, with a focus on environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, and long-term ecological impact.
Program Overview
The grant aims to transform urban spaces through innovative greening initiatives that enhance biodiversity, improve urban heat resilience, and create accessible green areas for the community. It encourages private property owners, residents, businesses, community groups, and educational institutions to contribute to Melbourne’s environmental and social sustainability goals.
Eligible Projects
- Tree planting and canopy expansion
- Biodiversity planting and habitat creation
- Green roofs, walls, and facades
- Water-sensitive urban design projects
- Laneway and communal space greening
Who Can Apply?
Applicants include:
- Residents and property owners
- Business owners and developers
- Owners’ corporations and community groups
- Educational institutions
Eligibility Requirements
- Projects must be within the City of Melbourne
- Focus on creating new greening outcomes
- Demonstrate clear environmental and community benefits
- Include a long-term maintenance plan for sustainability
- Land must be owned by the applicant or have written consent from the owner
Funding Details
- Matched funding between $30,000 and $100,000
- Supports high-impact projects with significant environmental and social benefits
- Encourages innovative designs that maximize canopy coverage and greening outcomes
Why It Matters
Urban greening improves air quality, biodiversity, urban heat resilience, and community wellbeing. This program enables residents and organisations to actively contribute to a greener, healthier, and more liveable city, while ensuring projects are sustainable and publicly accessible.
How to Apply / What to Do
- Identify a suitable greening project aligned with program objectives.
- Confirm property ownership or obtain written consent from landowners.
- Prepare a project plan highlighting environmental and community benefits.
- Include a long-term maintenance strategy.
- Submit the application with all supporting documents by the specified deadline.
Tips for Applicants
- Emphasize environmental impact, biodiversity, and community engagement
- Include innovative designs like vertical greening or rooftop gardens
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability and maintenance capabilities
- Highlight public visibility or accessibility to maximize community benefit
FAQs
- Who can apply for the Urban Forest Fund Grant?
Residents, business owners, property developers, community groups, owners’ corporations, and educational institutions in the City of Melbourne. - What types of projects are eligible?
Tree planting, biodiversity planting, green roofs and walls, water-sensitive urban design, and laneway or communal greening. - Is the funding matched?
Yes, projects receive matched funding between $30,000 and $100,000. - Does the land need to be owned by the applicant?
Projects must be on owned land or have written consent from the landowner. - Are there requirements for project maintenance?
Yes, a long-term maintenance plan is required to ensure sustainability. - Can projects be on private property?
Yes, but they must provide clear environmental and community benefits and be publicly visible or accessible.
Final Takeaway
The Urban Forest Fund Grant empowers the Melbourne community to create greener urban spaces, enhance biodiversity, and improve city livability through innovative, sustainable, and accessible greening projects.
For more information, visit Australian Government.
