The Town of Gawler is proud to announce that it has been successful in securing $150,000 funding from the Department of Environment and Water’s Greener Neighbourhoods Grants Program, supported by the Green Adelaide board.

The Greener Neighbourhoods Grants Program aims to financially support Adelaide metropolitan and regional councils to increase tree canopy coverage, cool neighbourhoods, and add urban greenery to streetscapes.

Funding is awarded through a competitive application and assessment process and required Council to match with a co-contribution.

This grant leverages an existing 21/22 Council project to offset lost vegetation associated with the Gawler Rail Electrification Project with new street trees.

"This project allows us to focus on outcomes in our Biodiversity Management Plan as well as our beautification plan," Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said.

"The focus on these routes leading to a number of Gawler’s rail stations helps make sustainable transit options more appealing for bikers, walkers and commuters."

Council’s proposal (Getting Gawler Greener) seeks to increase tree canopy coverage and create conditions of continuous shade on walking and cycling routes leading to five Gawler rail stations, thus making sustainable transit options more appealing and comfortable to Gawler residents, while simultaneously reducing the urban heat island effect over time.

On the ground, this means around up to 300 new trees will be planted throughout various neighbourhoods.

A mix of tree species will be used to enhance biodiversity, link habitat corridors and diversify our street tree species ensuring our canopy is more resistant to climate change and pests.

This project has direct alignment with the South Australian Government’s Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025 under Goal 5 for creating Climate-smart built and urban environments with the key objective to accelerate strategic urban greening.

This also aligns strongly with the Town of Gawler’s Climate Emergency commitments.

"This State Government funding allows us to expand the original project significantly, increase our town’s sustainability, and provides job opportunities to local suppliers and contractors," Town of Gawler CEO Henry Inat said.

Council is in the planning phase of this project and will deliver the project over the next 18 months.