Plants aplenty as Waterwise Greening Scheme reaches new heights

• 47,600 waterwise trees and shrubs co-funded through Waterwise Greening Scheme
• 16 Waterwise Councils share in more than $110,000 for initiatives promoting cooler, greener and more sustainable communities 

Ahead of National Tree Day this Sunday (August 2), Water Minister Dave Kelly has applauded Waterwise Councils for helping to create cooler, greener and more sustainable neighbourhoods through the Water Corporation's Waterwise Greening Scheme.

Under an expanded scheme announced by the McGowan Government last year, local governments can apply for up to $10,000 in co-funding annually to support a range of waterwise greening initiatives.

These include native plant giveaways, waterwise verge transformations, waterwise gardening competitions, verge and garden workshops, waterwise tree planting and development of waterwise demonstration gardens.

In 2019-20, the scheme saw 16 Waterwise Councils share in more than $110,000.

Funding helped purchase more than 47,600 waterwise plants and 520 waterwise trees, including 60 street trees. In the past year, the scheme also co-funded 209 waterwise verge subsidies, six waterwise demonstration gardens and six waterwise garden workshops.

While physical distancing measures saw many planned events altered, some councils arranged delivery of waterwise plants to residents' homes or provided online garden workshops.

Benefits of greener suburbs include improved water quality, increased biodiversity, improved amenity and cooler streetscapes. 

The Waterwise Greening Scheme contributes to the State Government's Waterwise Perth Action Plan. This plan sets the direction for transitioning Perth to a waterwise city, and creating cool, liveable, green and sustainable communities in which people want to live, work and spend their time. 

To be eligible, local governments must be an endorsed Waterwise Council with a verge policy or similar consistent with waterwise best-practice.

To learn more, search Waterwise Greening Scheme or visit http://www.watercorporation.com.au

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"It's fantastic to see the Water Corporation partnering with Waterwise Councils to help create cooler, greener and more sustainable neighbourhoods.

"I'd like to make special mention of those local governments who, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, found new and innovative ways to take the waterwise message to their communities.

"This included hosting virtual greening workshops, planting in council parks and reserves and, in some cases, even delivering waterwise plants direct to residents.

"In response to the impact of climate change, choosing native, waterwise vegetation is a perfect way to conserve water and help secure WA's fresh water future."

Comments attributed to Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"I want to acknowledge the leading role that the City of Stirling is playing in helping its residents live more sustainably.

"The City has claimed co-funding for verge transformations for three years, and last year gave away more than 12,000 waterwise plants.

"This is a shining example of a local government working alongside the Water Corporation to promote the waterwise message at a grassroots level."

Minister's office - 6552 6100