Canberrans can now join a volunteer group and apply for Government grants to grow more trees in the city’s parks.
Opening the grants program, Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said that while Government planting had been focused on more complex plantings on street verges, the grants would support the volunteer groups who were keen to plant and care for trees in urban parks.
“This new round of the Adopt-a-park program will see more communities benefit from trees that cool our neighbourhoods and help grow our urban canopy to 30 per cent cover,” Mr Steel said.
“Grants are available for projects to strengthen their ability to help us reach our canopy target in Canberra’s urban parks, including initiatives for planting and minor tree maintenance and associated activities,” he said.
“We are particularly interested to see projects in communities with low canopy cover as well as proposals that promote long term landscape resilience.”
Mr Steel said up to $20,000 was available per application.
“Government is undertaking one of the largest tree plantings in our city’s history – with 54,000 new trees to be planted by 2024,” the Minister said.
“Now is a great time to consider joining an existing volunteer group which cares for our parks and help contribute to the character and liveability of your local park and suburb.”
He said applications for the Adopt-a-park grant program were open until 6 May.
Further information on the grant program and on active volunteer groups can be accessed at this PS News link.
