Aldinga’s Symonds Reserve is one of the areas set to benefit from the state government’s new Urban Greening Strategy, which aims to grow the city’s tree canopy, cool urban areas and boost biodiversity in the suburbs.

Backed by an initial $1.5 million grant allocation, with contributions matched by five metro councils, it’s the first Greater Adelaide-wide strategy to address the loss of tree canopies.

With Adelaide experiencing increased average temperatures and a greater frequency of very hot days, the state government says it is vital to increase green spaces to help the city to stay liveable and cool.

Metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy cover is currently sits at just 17 per cent and the strategy aims to eventually increase this to 30 per cent.

Urban greening includes conserving, restoring, and creating green infrastructure which is essential for Adelaide's liveability, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Having more green spaces enhances the city's reputation, supports biodiversity and strengthens our response to climate change.

The grants will fund projects like the greening of the Banksia Park Sports Area’s carpark in the City of Tea Tree Gully, planting and water efficiency features for cooling around Symonds Reserve in the City of Onkaparinga, and plantings at the Walkley’s Corridor Development in the City of Salisbury.

Symonds Reserve is located on grounds adjoining the Aldinga Community Centre; it provides a large open space set against a backdrop of pretty hills and contains a variety of gum trees.

Professor Chris Daniels is Chair of the Green Adelaide Board: “Work to deliver the strategy is already underway with six metropolitan councils today receiving $1.5 million through our Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants program to deliver Adelaide’s Urban Greening Strategy,” he says.

“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.”

The strategy was coordinated by Green Adelaide, on behalf of the state government, in collaboration with non-government stakeholders including arborists, builders, designers, planners and researchers.

For more about the Urban Greening Strategy and the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants visit the Green Adelaide website.