Thousands of Western Australians are now eligible for a $150 rebate simply by planting native trees on their private property, as the state government ramps up efforts to restore declining urban tree cover.
Perth currently has the lowest tree canopy of any major Australian cit sitting below 20 per cent, well short of the recommended 30 per cent. Rapid urban expansion, heat stress and threats such as the polyphagous shot‑hole borer have accelerated the loss.
To counter this, the WA government has expanded its incentive program “Treebate”, run by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, encouraging residents to green their gardens with native species.
WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said boosting tree cover is essential for the state’s environmental and social wellbeing.
“Everything we can do to enhance and plant more trees across Perth, and our entire state, will unlock a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for the entire community,” he said.
According to the department, Treebate’s mission is simple:“Helping to make our neighbourhoods greener, unlocking a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for the entire community.”
Eligible residents can receive up to $150 back after purchasing and planting approved native trees, with the goal of increasing canopy, cooling suburbs and improving biodiversity.
+ There are no comments
Add yours