The Minns Labor Government is helping fight urban heat and boost tree canopy in more of NSW with the Greener Neighbourhoods Grant Program being expanded to 10 councils in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter-Central Coast.
This means 43 councils from Sydney to Wollongong, Newcastle and everywhere in between can now apply for more than $2.5 million worth of grants to better plan for greening in their communities.
The Greener Neighbourhoods grants can provide up to $60,000 to eligible councils to support strategic planning for urban canopy, heat mitigation, and maintaining green cover.
It is about making sure greenery is not only maintained but expanded as these regions continue to grow and will make sure future investment in urban greening are directed to areas that need it most.
Research shows trees can reduce ground-level temperatures by up to six degrees, while communities with more than 30 per cent canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.
The funding is part of the NSW Government's $60 million Greening our City program which is helping increase tree canopy and biodiversity to reduce the impacts of urban heat and climate change on communities.
Greener Neighbourhoods is funded from the NSW Climate Change Fund. Applications for the Greener Neighbourhoods grants are now open.
Councils have until 5pm, Friday 21 August 2026 to apply.
More information, including application guidelines, is available on the NSW Planning website.
This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities investing in quality green space to support growing neighbourhoods.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
"Urban greening delivers real, everyday benefits for communities, from cooler streets to more shade, and better public spaces where people can connect and spend time outdoors.
"The Minns Labor Government has expanded the Greener Neighbourhoods Grant Program to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter-Central Coast for the first time to make sure these key growth areas have the tools they need to fight urban heat and boost tree canopy and green cover.
"These grants will help councils plan for more climate resilient neighbourhoods, complementing the Minns Labor Government's housing reforms, and helping growing communities stay greener, cooler and more vibrant."
