*** MEDIA RELEASE ***
Shellharbour in the green with grant funding sprouting new growth
The Minns Labor Government are supporting Shellharbour City Council with more than $95,000 to grow tree canopy cover, help reduce urban heat, and boost biodiversity so neighbourhoods are more liveable and climate resilient.
The funding was made possible thanks to the Minns Labor Government expansion of the Greening our City program to Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter, and Central Coast.
The investment in Shellharbour will enhance Keith Fletcher Park delivering 4,750 square metres of native trees and understorey vegetation, two tiny forests, and new education features.
Each of these upgrades will benefit Warilla residents, visitors, and wildlife by delivering increased biodiversity, and raising the community’s ecosystem awareness.
This is part of a broader a $10 million investment from the Minns Labor Government across 24 councils to plant around 24,000 trees to green our streets and reduce the impacts of urban heating across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter, and Central Coast.
Most trees will be planted in areas with low canopy cover, with three-quarters of plantings going to sites that currently have just 10-20% coverage. These will cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and support communities in areas that need it most.
Research has shown that shaded surfaces may be 11-25°C cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded surfaces.
A full list of successful applicants is available here.
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:
“This Greening our City funding gives the Shellharbour region a chance to strengthen climate and environmental resilience in areas where it’s needed most.
“I’m pleased the Greening our City funding has been extended to Illawarra- Shoalhaven to support communities that will see more homes built in the coming years.
“More trees and green spaces in our region will create more enjoyable public places for everyone to relax and connect with nature — now and for years to come.”
30 JANUARY 2026
