Grants open for urban tree planting projects

COMMUNITY groups in northern NSW can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to plant native trees and shrubs in urban and peri-urban areas.

Applications for the 2025 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program close on August 22.

The program is funded by Bupa and delivered by Landcare Australia, with grants available for local environmental groups, councils, Traditional Owner organisations and other community groups looking to boost green spaces and restore natural habitats.

Landcare Australia chief executive Dr Shane Norrish said the program was helping connect people with nature while improving the health of local environments.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to continue this program for another year with Bupa and witness the positive impact it’s already had in communities across the country,” Norrish said.

“I’m excited to see how this new round of funding will support communities, encourage outdoor activity for wellbeing, while protecting and enhancing local environments.”

In 2024, the program funded 106,500 trees, shrubs and ground covers across Australia.

Two northern NSW groups were among those to benefit, including Watergum Community Inc in Banora Point and Fingal Head Coastcare.

Watergum used its grant to create new wildlife corridors in Tweed Shire, with volunteers, students and schools taking part in community planting days.

Fingal Head Coastcare held a planting day to restore 600 native trees in degraded coastal woodland, replacing non-native species and repairing land affected by sand mining.

For more information or to apply, visit the relevant council or Landcare website.

BY CHLOE WILLIAMS