NSW Government greening program expands beyond Sydney for first time

The NSW Government has today opened the latest round of Greening Our City program - expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time. Councils in the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel - comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government - will also be established later this year to guide the program's delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26th September 2025. Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

For more information visit Greening our City 

Image. Central Coast tree planting Credit: Central Coast Council