Deadline: 23-Feb-22
The NSW Government has launched the applications for its Greener Neighbourhoods program to support councils and provide a framework for canopy protection and enhancement in Greater Sydney local government areas (LGAs).
The program is releasing a targeted support package for Greater Sydney councils to strengthen strategic planning and management of the urban forest and contribute towards long-term canopy targets. The program is working to support and empower councils to green their local neighbourhoods.
The NSW Government recognises councils are critical to the creation, protection and enhancement of tree canopy in NSW. They’re supporting and empowering you to protect and enhance your urban forest through strategic planning.
Program objectives
The grant program objective is for each participating council to achieve one or more of the following:
- improve data capabilities by boosting council capacity to analyse and understand tree canopy trends in their local government area
- develop or update local urban forest strategies (or other strategic plans with canopy targets or actions) by identifying actions to enhance canopy cover or mitigate loss
- develop locally appropriate tree canopy targets embedded in an urban forest strategy (or other policy or plan)
- enhance community support for increasing canopy by developing programs to engage and educate the community on the value of trees and urban greening
- improve tree canopy outcomes on private land by developing strategies to mitigate loss and enhance tree canopy on private land.
Funding Information
- The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is inviting local councils across Greater Sydney to apply for grants to support strategic urban forest planning under a $1.65 million Greener Neighbourhoods grant program.
- A total of $1,650,000 is being made available through Greener Neighbourhoods grants. Up to $50,000 excluding GST will be available to each eligible council through a non-competitive grant process. Every eligible council will be awarded grant funding if their application meets the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applications must demonstrate:
- use of funding – projects must include activities within one or more of the following funding categories: data, policy, community engagement and private land canopy
- policy alignment – projects must align with NSW Climate Change Fund objectives and Greater Sydney district-specific priorities
- funding amount – each council may seek up to $50,000 (ex-GST)
- extent of funding – applicants can seek grant funding to cover all eligible project costs. There is no requirement for matched funding. However, councils are invited to include money and/or in-kind contributions to increase the value of the project.
- project management – applicants are responsible for providing the necessary labour, equipment and materials, management and supervision to complete the project.
- timing – activities must be completed and all grant funds spent within 12 months of execution of the funding agreement.
For more information, visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/greening-our-city/green-infrastructure-policy-and-planning-reform/greener-neighbourhoods