The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has welcomed the release of the Urban Greening Strategy, which outlines how the Western Australian Government plans to enhance urban forests and public open spaces across the Perth and Peel.
The strategy focuses on three action areas – Growing More, Growing Together and Growing Stronger – and sets a target of 30 per cent canopy cover by 2040, aligning with WALGA’s long-standing advocacy position.
It also includes an Urban Greening Grant Program for community groups and schools and reaffirms the Western Australian Government’s commitment to supporting local governments with public realm planting programs.
The Western Australian Government is set to release the Let’s Grow Action Plan, detailing programs and initiatives that will contribute to the strategy’s long-term vision.
In its 2026-27 State Budget Submission, WALGA is calling for a $40 million investment in local government urban greening programs over the next ten years to increase access to green spaces and support cooler, more liveable neighbourhoods.
WALGA has also highlighted the importance of protecting significant trees on private land, noting that the 30 per cent canopy target will not be achieved without stronger measures to reduce tree loss.
So far, nine local governments have adopted WALGA’s Model Local Planning Policy, which provides regulatory protection for trees of significant size on private property.
WALGA said it would continue working with councils and other stakeholders to raise community awareness and encourage behaviour change to support long-term urban forest growth and retention.
