Alexandrina Council is inviting our community to be part of ‘Turning Backyards into Bushyards’ and play a role in increasing the tree canopy across our region.

Council is now seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from households in our towns with larger gardens who can plant two native trees and three native shrubs in their yards as part of our ‘Turning Backyards into Bushyards’ initiative

Added bonus

If you water regularly and look after your plants, you may get visits from a range of local birdlife – from colourful honeyeaters and wattlebirds, to pardalotes, fairy wrens and rosellas. Over time, improved tree cover across our townships also helps create healthier landscapes that can support a wider range of species.

Why it matters

Joining the initiative will help build biodiversity in Alexandrina where we have some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in South Australia.

Making our towns greener and cooler through tree planting is a key priority in our A2040 Strategic Delivery Plan 2025-2025.

Households need to be able to meet these criteria to be eligible:

• Own the property on which trees are planted.
• Have a planting area with a minimum encumbered area of 50 m2.
• The property must be located within a township of Alexandrina Council.
• The tree planting area should not be under a powerline
• The tree planting area is at least 10m of a neighbouring property.
• Be willing to care for the trees and shrubs.

Council will give priority to EOIs from towns with identified low canopies or limited public open space where trees can be planted successfully, in particular Milang, Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot, and Woodchester.