The Western Australian government has disbursed AU$5.1 million in grant funding to more than 280 urban greening initiatives across Perth and Peel.
The grants are part of the state government’s AU$10 million Let’s Grow Grants program, which aim to assist schools and local organisations in expanding urban tree canopies to provide shade, cool suburban neighbourhoods, and improve liveability.
A total of 284 projects received funding in the initial allocation, with 225 of those approved for local schools.
Significantly, 85 per cent of the approved funding targets suburbs where existing tree canopy cover sits at or below 20 per cent, ensuring resources reach the areas most vulnerable to heat island effects.
Successful initiatives include the planting of shade and fruit trees at Orange Grove Primary School in Thornlie, boundary greening at Hillarys Primary School, and an urban greening initiative managed by Foundation Housing.
The four-year, AU$10 million scheme underpins the government’s broader Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy, which aims to achieve a 30 per cent tree canopy cover across the region by 2040. The funding aligns with the state’s Let’s Grow Action Plan 2026–2030 to mitigate urban heat and support native biodiversity.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey noted the importance of community involvement in hitting state environmental targets.
“It’s fantastic to see so many schools, community groups, and local organisations supported by these grants to play a part in greening our neighbourhoods,” Carey said.
“We want to see greener communities with a well-established tree canopy because they are cooler, more liveable, and provide a habitat for local wildlife.”
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said every newly planted tree contributes directly to building healthier, more resilient suburbs.
He commended local educational institutions and community bodies for taking a proactive role in securing a sustainable future for the Perth and Peel regions.
“These projects are delivering real environmental benefits, from cooler streets and more shade to better habitat for native wildlife,” Swinbourn said.