More than 2,400 trees are to be planted in 14 Local Government areas across Perth in the next year or so to help reduce the impacts of urban heat in the face of climate change.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly said the trees were part of the Urban Canopy Grant Program, administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association and funded through Water Corporation.
Mr Kelly said the projects would help cool heat-affected urban areas such as verges, car parks, rail reserves, and commuter routes for cyclists, pedestrians and school children.
Mr Kelly said several projects would also help create habitat and a natural food source for local wildlife, including the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
“Tree planting is among the most effective ways to reduce the urban heat island effect common in highly populated areas with minimal green cover and buildings or pavement that absorb, store and radiate heat,” Mr Kelly said.
“Once matured, the trees are expected to provide an additional 11 hectares of tree canopy cover within the first 10 years.”
He said the Urban Canopy Grant Program also supported existing tree canopy targets and greening initiatives already under way by Local Governments and was part of the Waterwise Perth Action Plan (WPAP).
“The WPAP was created in response to the major impacts of climate change and sets the direction for transitioning Perth to a leading Waterwise city by 2030,” Mr Kelly said.
“As Perth continues to experience above-average daytime temperatures — including its second-warmest December on record last year — greening initiatives like the Urban Canopy Grant Program are one way we can help combat the urban heat island effect,” he said.
