Funding to support City’s tree canopy

The City of South Perth has secured a grant to plant an additional 300 trees to increase canopy cover in its most heat-affected parks and reserves. The tree planting project is one of a number of initiatives outlined in the City’s Urban Forest Strategy which sets out the City’s commitment to maintain sustainable urban neighbourhoods by protecting and enhancing the urban forest. 

The Urban Canopy Grant Program, funded by Water Corporation and administered by WALGA, provides local governments an opportunity to apply for funding to help achieve their tree planting targets. The City was awarded one of the top levels of funding, receiving $65k to purchase trees and supporting equipment including tree stakes and fertilizer to promote healthy growth. 

A recent assessment identified five reserves as most in need of additional shade, weighing up factors including urban heat index rating, current canopy cover percentage, and the time of day each reserve was used most. Trees will be planted at Challenger Reserve, Ryrie Reserve, Collins Reserve, Millers Pool on the South Perth Foreshore and Davilak Reserve in winter 2022 when the trees will have had time to establish.

The City’s Urban Forest Strategy identifies opportunities to manage the challenges of urbanisation, development and population growth for future generations. Additional trees funded through the grant will add to more than 1,300 trees planted by the City last financial year and help maintain canopy coverage at not less than 20%.  

Further to tree planting projects in public places, the City’s policy, Trees on Development Sites and Street Verges, promotes the design of residential development that enables trees to be retained, ensures that new trees are planted and preserve street trees. 

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner welcomed the announcement, saying it would help the City cool its most heat-affected areas.

“The City of South Perth is well-known for its wonderful green open spaces and leafy tree-lined streets. Council is committed to maintaining tree canopy cover within our City and ensuring that our City remains a beautiful place to live, work and play.

“The City’s dedicated tree planting program has resulted in canopy cover remaining steady in the local area over the past 30 years. This grant will help us continue this good work.

“Trees purchased with the grant funding will be grown and expertly cared for in the City’s nursery until they are ready to be planted in winter next year. Native tree species have been selected to provide maximum shade while keeping maintenance and watering costs to a minimum.

“The five reserves identified in the program are used by schools, clubs and local residents for sport and recreation, and the trees will provide welcome relief for these activities during summer months.”   

The City of South Perth Nursery is one of the largest and most successful local government nurseries in metropolitan Perth. It provides plants and trees not only for local projects, but to surrounding local governments also working to enhance their urban canopy.  The City’s specialist staff collect, propagate and grow locally sourced seed to grow endemic plant species, trees, shrubs, riverine and wetland plants suitable for environmental rehabilitation, streets and parklands. 

The nursery is widely recognised for the quality stock it produces, having recently received accreditation from Greenlife Industry Australia. The nursery was also featured on a recent segment of Gardening Australia on ABC. 

View the City’s Urban Forest Strategy.