A project to safeguard a vulnerable native tree species will help make Camden greener and cooler thanks to funding from a NSW Government program.

The Greening Our City program will provide $10 million in grants to 30 councils and two partner organisations across two funding streams- Cooler Suburbs and Green Innovations.

The Connecting Camden White Gum project has secured $41,500 to plant 500 genetically diverse Camden White Gum within the Nepean River corridor at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve and is part of the wider program to plant more than 40,000 trees across Greater Sydney.

Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said the Greening Our City program supports the Premier’s Priority to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting one million trees by 2022.

“This is a wonderful boost to Camden and its unique white gum. Tree cover is so valuable for lowering heat, providing protection and enhancing our lives and this species is so precious to our heritage,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

“This project ensures a cooler, greener Camden and strengthens the resilience of the Camden White Gum, a species currently listed as vulnerable under Commonwealth and State legislation.

“The Greening Our City program is yet another future-facing initiative by the NSW Government to provide better, safer and more loveable public spaces and robust urban environments for generations to come.”

The project is a collaboration led by Camden Council with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Australian Tree Seed Centre (CSIRO), University of Sydney, Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan, and Camden Airport.

Camden Council will also receive $441,200 to plant trees across the area as part of the Cooler Suburbs program.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said the funding would help create greater green urban spaces.

“Trees are fantastic not only for providing shade to reduce temperatures, but also increase oxygen while enhancing our beautiful neighbourhoods,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The four projects selected will see many trees planted, including our iconic and a Nationally Threatened species, the Camden White Gum, that will cultivate healthy and sustainable environments for our community.

“The planting of 500 Camden White Gums at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve complements previous plantings along the Nepean River at Rotary Cowpasture Reserve and the Camden Town Farm ensuring the long-term survival of this species.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for this fantastic program and for their funding to the Camden area.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said planting more trees would bring enormous environmental benefits while making public spaces more attractive.

“Our city is framed by parks – we know how valuable tree cover is for lowering heat, providing shade and enhancing our neighbourhoods,” Mr Stokes said.

“This program will see trees planted in more developed areas like Miranda and Parramatta and in growing areas like Camden, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Hawkesbury.”

The grant program is being administered by Local Government NSW on behalf of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

A list of successful projects is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/greening-our-city