Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants
Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program FAQs
Browse our FAQs below to learn more.
Green Adelaide's Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program supports local governments in the Green Adelaide region to undertake projects that deliver greening and cooling outcomes and include practical implementation of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) and biodiversity-sensitive urban design (BSUD) principles, in highly modified urban settings with high community usage. Projects will improve liveability, biodiversity and climate resilience and can be at a site, street or precinct scale.
Projects that deliver greening and cooling outcomes and include practical implementation of water-sensitive urban design and biodiversity-sensitive urban design principles are eligible for funding. In a first for Cooler, Greener, Wilder grants, projects that meet 2 out of the 3 criteria will be considered however those that meet all 3 will be given higher weighting. Please refer to the Assessment Criteria for more information regarding eligible and ineligible activities.
Councils within the Green Adelaide region are eligible to apply.
No, projects must be delivered within the Green Adelaide region.
Applications are now open and will close 31 October.
No, extensions will not be considered.
Applications are through Smarty Grants at: https://greenadelaide-sa.smartygrants.com.au
Yes, please contact DEW.GreenAdelaide@sa.gov.au to request assistance with the SmartyGrants system.
Yes, there will be an online webinar hosted by Water Projects Officer Martin Fidge on 27 August at 2pm on Microsoft teams. To register, please click on this link HERE.
Yes, applicants may submit multiple applications but should consider their ability to match requested funding for all projects.
Applications of up to $500,000 are encouraged. Councils may submit multiple applications but should consider their ability to match requested funding for all projects.
No. Applications will only be considered that apply for up to 50% of the project costs contributing to cooler, greener, wilder outcomes. The council contribution can include monetary or in-kind contributions, as well as support from volunteer groups or other grant funding sources.
Yes. Partnerships or leveraging of funds from other grant programs on a co-contribution basis is encouraged. However, funds would need to be guaranteed to enable a successful grant application and Green Adelaide will not duplicate funding for the same activity.
Increase urban green cover, as well as tree canopy to progress against the target in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan and Urban Greening Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide, and reduce the urban heat island effect across metropolitan Adelaide.
Specific outcomes may include increased green cover, tree canopy and/or other forms of greenery in urban streets and reserves; mitigation of urban heat islands; and increased species diversity.
Integrated Water-Sensitive Urban Design for localised water management, fit-for-purpose water provision or at-source infiltration to support urban greening and cooling.
Specific outcomes may include at-source stormwater infiltration to support greening and cooling, stormwater runoff quality improvement and/or volume reduction; water reuse/recycling (stormwater, wastewater).
Create diverse and appropriate habitat for native wildlife in urban settings through the implementation of Biodiversity-Sensitive Urban Design principles.
Specific outcomes may include maintenance and creation of targeted biodiverse habitat; facilitation of species dispersal; minimisation of threats and human generated disturbance; facilitation of natural ecological processes; improved potential for positive human-nature interactions.
Enhance public amenity and natural character to provide community benefit in areas of high pedestrian usage, through creation of Quality Public Green Spaces (QGPS).
Further outcomes may include community health and wellbeing; connection with nature; stronger communities; access for all; neighbourhood character; resilient communities.
Support projects that lead industry best practice through innovation.
Yes, in-kind contributions from partners will be accepted.
In-kind contributions could include staff time as well as time contributed by other organisations or volunteers (such as community groups and non-government organisations for planting or maintenance).
Yes. Your application should clearly outline the nature of the partnership and the respective functions each group will undertake as part of the proposed project.
One of the councils should be clearly identified as the lead council for correspondence, reporting and overall responsibility for the project and the application should be submitted in the name of the lead council.
Application outcomes are anticipated to be announced in December 2025.
Projects need to be completed within 4 years (nominally 30 December 2029) of completing the grant agreement and should align with the timeframe indicated in your application.
The final report and financial acquittal is due one month after the completion date.
All project variations such as timing and project outcomes must be formally approved by Green Adelaide in writing.
Projects need to be completed within four years (nominally 30 December 2029) of completing the grant agreement and should align with the timeframe indicated in your application.
This extended timeframe will allow for establishment and maintenance of vegetation during the grant period.
All project variations such as timing and project outcomes must be formally approved by Green Adelaide in writing.
Please include evidence on which the project is based and which support each of the outcomes claimed. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for more information on the types of supporting documentation to include.
No, however projects that incorporate a suitable diversity of local native species will be favoured. We recommend that you speak to your council’s biodiversity officers or relevant experts for advice on species selection and habitat for wildlife and cross-reference with arborists regarding purpose, such as shade and root depth. Please provide any supporting information for your species choices, in particular in relation to biodiversity-sensitive urban design.
You are encouraged to also use tools such as:
Information and guidance on WSUD concept can be found at: https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/water-sensitive-urban-design-policy-gen.pdf
Further background and guidance can be found at Water Sensitive SA which can be accessed at https://www.watersensitivesa.com/
For more biodiverse plantings in raingardens see Raingarden-Plant-Fact-Sheet-v5_FINAL-Dec16.pdf (watersensitivesa.com) and for a built example: Water Sensitive SADover Square raingarden, South Brighton - Water Sensitive SA
Information and guidance on BSUD concept can be found at: https://ggarrardresearch.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/bsud-final_reduced-size2.pdf
A background Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design evidence base including Adelaide based case studies:
Blueprint_for_a_Nature-Positive_Adelaide_RMIT.pdf (environment.sa.gov.au)
A brief outline and intro to BSUD:
Biodiversity sensitive urban design: The future of cities (nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au)
For further information, link to the RMIT ICON Science BSUD pages:
Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design - ICON Science (icon-science.org)
Further background and guidance can be found in Professor Sarah Bekessy’s presentation in the webinar ‘Nature-based Opportunities for Resilient Cities’ run by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub which can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/iZLlrUOEnIU
Information and guidance on QGPS concept can be found at:
https://www.odasa.sa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/Green-Public-Spaces-Principles-FIN-WEB-V3.pdf
For more information, read the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program Application Guidelines.