Published on:
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
Key Points
WALGA welcomes yesterday's announcement that if re-elected a Cook Labor Government will take action to double Perth’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2040.
WALGA has long been calling for measures to increase urban canopy across the State. This announcement of a $10 million Urban Canopy Growth Grant Program and household ‘treebates’ will assist to improve Perth's tree canopy, which, at just 16%, is the lowest of any capital city in Australia.
WALGA's 2025 State Election Priorities calls for a statewide expansion of the Urban Greening Grant Program and the development of a comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, including measures to reduce tree loss on private land.
WALGA Deputy President Paul Kelly commended yesterday’s announcement, acknowledging the State's commitment and investment to restore urban canopy, while stressing that further action is needed.
"It is great to see that the Cook Labor Government is building on its commitment to increasing tree canopy cover in Perth if re-elected. However low canopy cover is not just an issue in metropolitan Perth - these programs should be extended to urban areas across the State."
"Addressing the loss of existing trees on private land is also essential if we are to have any chance of meeting the 30% by 2040 target. Between 2011 and 2020, Perth lost a quarter of its urban canopy, mainly due to the clearing of private land for development. WALGA will continue to advocate for this issue to be addressed, including as part of the Government's Urban Greening Strategy."
To arrange an interview with WALGA, please contact WALGA Acting Manager Media and Communications Taysha Sullivan on 0448 896 435 or via [email protected]
- WALGA commends the announcement by Environment Minister Hon Reece Whitby MLA that if re-elected, Labor will take action to double Perth’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2040.
- WALGA's 2025 State Election Priorities calls for the extension of the Urban Greening Grant Program and the development and implementation of a Statewide Urban Forest Strategy, including measures to retain existing trees on private land.
- WALGA welcomes the collaborative approach to address this critical issue.
WALGA welcomes yesterday's announcement that if re-elected a Cook Labor Government will take action to double Perth’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2040.
WALGA has long been calling for measures to increase urban canopy across the State. This announcement of a $10 million Urban Canopy Growth Grant Program and household ‘treebates’ will assist to improve Perth's tree canopy, which, at just 16%, is the lowest of any capital city in Australia.
WALGA's 2025 State Election Priorities calls for a statewide expansion of the Urban Greening Grant Program and the development of a comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, including measures to reduce tree loss on private land.
WALGA Deputy President Paul Kelly commended yesterday’s announcement, acknowledging the State's commitment and investment to restore urban canopy, while stressing that further action is needed.
"It is great to see that the Cook Labor Government is building on its commitment to increasing tree canopy cover in Perth if re-elected. However low canopy cover is not just an issue in metropolitan Perth - these programs should be extended to urban areas across the State."
"Addressing the loss of existing trees on private land is also essential if we are to have any chance of meeting the 30% by 2040 target. Between 2011 and 2020, Perth lost a quarter of its urban canopy, mainly due to the clearing of private land for development. WALGA will continue to advocate for this issue to be addressed, including as part of the Government's Urban Greening Strategy."
To arrange an interview with WALGA, please contact WALGA Acting Manager Media and Communications Taysha Sullivan on 0448 896 435 or via [email protected]
