Green strategy launched to safeguard Adelaide's liveability

Today the South Australian Government has launched an Urban Greening Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide, backed by $1.5 million in grants with matching contribution by councils to grow the city’s tree canopy, cool urban areas and boost biodiversity.

As the first metropolitan-wide strategy, this urban greening roadmap aims to address green gaps, scale successful initiatives, and unlock city-wide benefits through collaboration and co-investment.

Green Adelaide Board Chair Professor Chris Daniels highlighted the urgency of this strategy, given that metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy cover is currently only 17%.

“The launch of this strategy is a game-changer for metropolitan Adelaide towards a greener future and it is a credit to the commitment of many partners,” Professor Daniels said.

“Urban greening isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about keeping our city cool, supporting biodiversity, and improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, as well as maximising liveability and economic benefits.

“The strategy sets up an initial 5-year direction, with longer term measures, including a 30% tree canopy target aligned with the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, and a framework to establish baselines for urban heat and plant diversity to set future targets.

"These measures, shaped through extensive consultation, set bold targets that empower everyone to play their part in greening our city and driving meaningful action.”

State Planning Commission Chair Craig Holden said that green spaces and tree canopy are essential for creating liveable, sustainable communities — especially as Adelaide expands housing under the Housing Roadmap.

“The new Greater Adelaide Regional Plan released earlier this week has been aligned with the Urban Greening Strategy to make sure our growing city remains a great place to live!”

The strategy was facilitated by Green Adelaide on behalf of the South Australian Government. It was co-created with government and non-government stakeholders who deliver, influence and/or are interested in urban greening such as arborists, builders, designers, planners and researchers.

Professor Daniels added that work to deliver the strategy is already underway, with 6 metropolitan councils today receiving $1.5 million through our Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants program to deliver Adelaide’s Urban Greening Strategy.

“The councils will match our contribution which will see the delivery of more greening around the proposed Banksia Park Sports Area’s carpark by the City of Tea Tree Gully, cooling around Symonds Reserve by City of Onkaparinga through planting and water efficiency features, as well as plantings at the Walkley’s Corridor Development by the City of Salisbury,” Professor Daniels said.

“They will also support the delivery of more biodiversity-sensitive design features such as raingardens as part of the City of Charles Sturt’s Renown Park Living Streets project, fund the installation of more water inlets to support tree growth across the City of Unley, as well as fund plantings around the Pasadena Community Centre plus stormwater works by the City of Mitcham.

“By joining forces, through Adelaide’s new Urban Greening Strategy, our capital city now has its first metro-wide plan to expand tree canopy, cool the city, and enhance biodiversity, as well as measures to track ongoing progress to create a more resilient and liveable city for all.”

To download a copy visit the Urban Greening Strategy webpage or find out more at Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants webpage.

Fast facts about metropolitan Adelaide’s greenery

• About 17% tree canopy cover.
• 69% of trees are less than 10 metres tall.
• Only 28% of native vegetation is remaining since 1836 (European colonisation).
• Average urban heat intensity has increased by 0.2°C from 2014 to 2023.
• Urban Greening Strategy’s consultation showed a 96% support rate from respondents to create a greener city.

Fast facts of our Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants

• Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants have been running now for 3 years and offer up to $500,000 per project for metropolitan Adelaide’s 17 councils, with a funding period of up to four years, supporting larger environmental initiatives.
• The grants are designed to help local councils enhance their areas through urban greening, water and biodiversity sensitive design features.
• The grants promote integrated projects that deliver multiple benefits, encouraging councils to match contributions and strengthen their local environmental work.

The 2025 successful applicants for Round 3 are: