Plant the seeds for a cooler future with a Native Tree & Plant Voucher

Did you know that during a South Australian summer, streets with strong tree canopy can be up to 5°C cooler than those without?

Increasing greenery in our neighbourhoods helps reduce heat, improves biodiversity and creates more pleasant places to live.

To support this, Council invites residents living in identified Urban Heat Islands to help grow the local urban forest by participating in the 2026 Native Tree and Plant Voucher Pilot program, Green Connections.

Details on how to find out if your home is in an Urban Heat Island area through the Urban Heat and Tree Mapping Viewer can be found on Council’s website.

From April 2026, eligible residents will be able to claim a $70 Private Greening Voucher to plant climate-appropriate species at home.

Participants can choose between two options from a Council-approved species list:

• Shade Hero Tree — a climate-resilient native shade tree suited to private gardens
• Seeds for Country Starter Pack — a curated selection of native plants for gardens or verges.

The initiative aims to make it easier for residents to contribute to cooling their street while supporting local biodiversity.

Residents who want to make an even bigger impact can take part in the optional Micro-Forests initiative. When three or more neighbouring households combine their vouchers, they can create small, shared forest patches or connected green spaces across properties.

Council’s Green Connectors, local volunteers who know the approved native plants really well, will provide advice and practical support to help neighbours plan, plant and care for their native plantings. This option is ideal for residents who enjoy working together to improve their local environment.

Joining the pilot program is simple and involves three key steps:

1. Read & Learn — Visit the program portal to review the Quick Start Guide and FAQs, including important safety guidance such as using the Before You Dig Australia service before planting.
2. Verify & Claim — Complete a short three-question quiz and submit your details to secure one of the 100 available vouchers (one per property). Vouchers must be redeemed by 15 June 2026.
3. Soak & Snap — After planting during winter, participants complete a quick survey and upload a photo of their new planting. This confirms success and unlocks a digital Seed Connector Badge along with early access to future Green Connections initiatives.

The 2026 pilot is the first step in building a broader, long-term greening program across the City.

Participant feedback will help inform future initiatives, including specialised plant packs and a network of community ambassadors.

Residents who take part will be recognised as Seed Connectors—a founding group helping establish the Green Connections network across the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

Vouchers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to first-time participants.

Previous participants are still encouraged to apply and will be prioritised for the 2027 program if vouchers are exhausted.

Residents interested in participating can visit the Tree Incentive Program page on Council’s website or contact Council to learn more.

Together, small actions across many homes can create a cooler, greener and more resilient community.

 To find out more, visit: Native Tree & Plant Vouchers