Media Release 18/09/2025

Building Greener Cities for a Net-Zero Australia

AGIN response to Federal Emission Reduction Targets announced 18 September 2025
[AUSTRALIA] — The Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN) has welcomed the Australian Government’s new 2035 emissions target and is encouraging greater attention to the role of green infrastructure in building climate resilience. As a leading not-for-profit organisation advocating for urban green infrastructure, AGIN is calling for increased investment, dedicated resources, and ongoing support for nature based solutions to play a central role in Australia’s climate response.

The government’s new commitment to reduce emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels is an important step. However, alongside these targets, Australian cities need support to adapt to climate impact such as heatwaves, flooding and biodiversity loss. Practical nature-based solutions, including green roofs, urban forests, permeable pavements, and rain gardens, play a crucial role in mitigating climate impacts.

These solutions not only contribute to emissions reduction but also offer economic, social, and environmental benefits, such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat, and increased community well-being. Green infrastructure is essential in managing heatwaves and stormwater, helping cities adapt to extreme weather conditions by reducing urban temperatures and improving water management.

The need for funding and resources
AGIN is encouraging all levels of government, industry and community to increase their focus on these solutions through:
- targeted investment in research and innovation,
- training and resourcing local councils and communities,
- partnerships between public, private and non-profit organisations, and
- embedding green infrastructure into planning and design from the outset.

Despite its significant economic and environmental benefits, urban green infrastructure remains undervalued in urban investment. A recent study in metropolitan Melbourne found that for every $1 spent on greening, approximately $4 in economic benefits are generated (NGIV, 2024 "Greening the Garden State Report”).

However, this potential remains largely untapped, as only 0.3% of all urban infrastructure budgets globally are currently allocated to green infrastructure (The World Economic Forum, 2025 "Nature Positive: Financing the Transition in Cities"). These figures highlight an urgent need to increase investment and embed urban green infrastructure into mainstream urban infrastructure spending.

The time to act is now
With climate change placing unprecedented pressure on Australia’s cities and their communities, AGIN is calling for bold and immediate action to embed urban green infrastructure into urban planning, investment and management. The evidence is clear: Green infrastructure delivers economic, environmental, and social returns that far outweigh its costs.

“Urban green infrastructure is far more than an environmental fix — it’s a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities across Australia,” said Sebastian Pfautsch, President of the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network. “By embracing nature-based solutions, we can shape vibrant, sustainable cities that are better equipped to meet the challenges of a changing climate.”

AGIN calls on policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to join forces in supporting these initiatives.

For more information on how you can support urban green infrastructure initiatives, please contact the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network via hello@agin.org.au