Wollongong Council's Major Urban Greening Initiative Targets Low-Canopy Suburbs
Wollongong City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly enhance the city's green spaces, with a focus on planting more than 1500 new trees and implementing various vegetation projects. This initiative, known as the Green the Gong program, aims to make Wollongong greener, cooler, and more liveable for its residents.
Funding Boost and Priority Areas
The council has received a substantial cash injection of over $482,000 from the NSW government's Greening our City program. Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Campbell highlighted that Wollongong's current canopy cover stands at 27 per cent, but the council is striving to increase this to 35 per cent. The new funding will be strategically directed towards priority areas characterised by low canopy cover and high heat levels.
These priority suburbs are primarily located in southern Wollongong, including Dapto, Berkeley, Port Kembla, Primbee, and Warrawong. The planting efforts will concentrate on streets, sportsgrounds, and public spaces, ensuring widespread community benefits.
Benefits of Increased Canopy Cover
Cr Campbell emphasised the multifaceted advantages of expanding the urban canopy. "We know that having that canopy cools our neighbourhoods, makes everything more liveable, and also strengthens biodiversity," she stated. Research supports this, indicating that shaded surfaces can be 11 to 25 degrees cooler than unshaded areas during peak temperatures.
This greening program aligns seamlessly with Wollongong City Council's 20-year Urban Greening Strategy, which was endorsed in 2017. When the strategy was initially launched, the average urban canopy cover in Wollongong was only 17 per cent, demonstrating the progress already made.
Accelerating Efforts and Regional Impact
Cr Campbell expressed enthusiasm about the state government funding, noting that it will enhance and accelerate the council's existing greening efforts. Work on the Green the Gong program is set to commence fairly quickly, ensuring timely implementation.
The greening initiative extends beyond Wollongong, with neighbouring councils also receiving funding. Shellharbour City Council has been granted $96,000 to plant native trees and understorey vegetation in Keith Fletcher Park in Warilla. A council spokesperson explained that Warilla is a suburb with low tree canopy cover, making it a priority for greening. The park's proximity to Warilla Library will help create attractive, shaded public spaces for community gatherings.
Planting in Shellharbour is scheduled to begin in autumn 2027, followed by a 12-month establishment and maintenance period. Currently, the average canopy cover across the Shellharbour local government area is 29 per cent, but in urban areas, it drops to just 10 per cent. The council is developing its own greening strategy and will seek community input in March.
Political Support and Broader Projects
Wollongong MP and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully praised the investment, stating that it will create more enjoyable public places while enhancing climate resilience in streets and suburbs. Similarly, Shellharbour MP Anna Watson highlighted that more trees and green spaces will provide relaxing areas for people to connect with nature now and in the future.
Other regional councils have also benefited from the Greening our City program. Shoalhaven City Council secured a $488,000 grant to green its car parks, and Wollondilly Shire Council received over $256,000 for two projects in Tahmoor.
Cr Campbell welcomed the expansion of the government's program, which was previously limited to Sydney, acknowledging its positive impact on regional areas like Wollongong.
