Adelaide has unveiled its first metropolitan-wide Urban Greening Strategy, aiming to grow the city’s tree canopy, cool urban areas, and enhance biodiversity.

Backed by $1.5 million in grants, matched by contributions from six local councils, the initiative seeks to address the critical loss of green spaces across Greater Adelaide as the city faces rising temperatures and urban expansion.

Currently, metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy cover sits at 17 per cent, far below the widely accepted target of 30 per cent.

The strategy sets bold goals to increase canopy coverage to 30 per cent, aligning with the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan released earlier this week.

This plan anticipates a population growth of 670,000 by 2050 and outlines where 315,000 new homes can be located while ensuring open spaces and sporting facilities are integrated into new developments.

The grants will fund projects such as greening the Banksia Park Sports Area’s carpark in Tea Tree Gully, planting and water efficiency features at Symonds Reserve in Onkaparinga, and tree plantings at Walkley’s Corridor Development in Salisbury.

Additional initiatives include biodiversity-sensitive designs like raingardens in Charles Sturt’s Renown Park Living Streets project, water inlet installations to support tree growth in Unley, and stormwater works near Pasadena Community Centre in Mitcham.

Urban greening offers significant benefits beyond aesthetics. It reduces urban heat islands, supports biodiversity, improves mental and physical health, and strengthens Adelaide’s resilience against climate change.

Expanding green spaces also enhances the city’s reputation for liveability and economic prosperity.

Green Adelaide coordinated the strategy on behalf of the South Australian government, collaborating with arborists, planners, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Professor Chris Daniels, Chair of Green Adelaide Board, emphasised that urban greening requires a combined effort of protecting existing trees and planting new ones.

“By joining forces through this strategy, our capital city now has its first metro-wide plan to expand tree canopy, cool the city, and enhance biodiversity,” Daniels said.

State Planning Commission Chair Craig Holden highlighted how green spaces are essential for creating sustainable communities amidst housing expansion under the Housing Roadmap.

The strategy ensures that Adelaide remains a great place to live as it grows.

The Urban Greening Strategy represents a long-term vision for a leafier, cooler, and more biodiverse Adelaide.

It sets practical actions for government and non-government partners to collaborate on greening initiatives while tracking progress toward its ambitious goals.

With public feedback invited until June 2024, residents have an opportunity to contribute to shaping Adelaide’s greener future.