The Western Australian government has announced it will develop a new Urban Green Strategy for Perth and Peel to enhance greening and cooling of backyards, streets, open spaces and neighbourhoods.
The proposed strategy will complement the Western Australian Climate Policy and Climate Adaptation Strategy, as well as a $3.75 million urban greening grants program for local governments in the Perth and Peel areas.
“There are many benefits of green spaces for liveability, health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, and we are creating a strategy that will encourage, facilitate and enhance our urban green environment across all areas of government,” said environment and climate action minister Reece Whitby.
“Not only do trees improve our neighbourhoods, they can help with the cost of living – a tree that provides shade to your home can help to reduce your electricity bills.”
The strategy will explore elements such as measuring and reporting on tree canopy coverage, education and awareness, identifying and mitigating urban heat, and green linkages.
The strategy will also build upon existing policies to incentivize tree retention in the Design WA guidelines and the newly reintroduced medium density code.
The state government will work with local governments and other stakeholders to create urban greening projects.
“Urban greening is part of our strategy to create liveable, healthy communities while attracting viable infill development that balances the need for housing with quality of life and amenity,” said WA planning minister John Carey.
“We understand the impacts of climate change and the importance of green neighbourhoods, however, our ‘Urban Greening Strategy’ must be implemented without compromising the critical delivery of new housing supply that we desperately need.
“The strategy will focus on an incentive-based approach, rather than a punitive approach.”
The state government is inviting community input on the strategy until 7 June 2024.
