Urban Greening Strategy

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A plan for a greener, cooler and more liveable City

The Urban Greening Strategy was adopted by Council at the July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting. Thank you to everyone who participated in the extensive engagement process. Find out more in the news update below, or read the meeting Minutes.

Following extensive community and stakeholder feedback, the City of South Perth has developed a new urban greening strategy to help to make a greener, cooler and more liveable place for us to live, work and visit.

Urban greening is not just about the urban forest or tree canopy. It also incorporates vegetation, shrubs, understorey planting and many other ways to recognise and retain nature and biodiversity, which help make our City more climate resilient and makes an area more pleasant to live in.

Engagement process

The Urban Greening Strategy stakeholder engagement has a three stage process:

  • Stage 1: Broad engagement (survey and pop-up events).
    Complete: read about what happened during Stage 1. (September/October 2024)
  • Stage 2: Deliberative panel (a panel of key stakeholders and community members who will work collaboratively to recommend priorities for the Urban Greening Strategy). (February 2025).
  • Stage 3: Community feedback on draft Urban Greening Strategy (information sessions and feedback form). (Closed 4pm, 27 May 2025).

Information and documents on this page are available in alternative formats upon request.

A plan for a greener, cooler and more liveable City

The Urban Greening Strategy was adopted by Council at the July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting. Thank you to everyone who participated in the extensive engagement process. Find out more in the news update below, or read the meeting Minutes.

Following extensive community and stakeholder feedback, the City of South Perth has developed a new urban greening strategy to help to make a greener, cooler and more liveable place for us to live, work and visit.

Urban greening is not just about the urban forest or tree canopy. It also incorporates vegetation, shrubs, understorey planting and many other ways to recognise and retain nature and biodiversity, which help make our City more climate resilient and makes an area more pleasant to live in.

Engagement process

The Urban Greening Strategy stakeholder engagement has a three stage process:

  • Stage 1: Broad engagement (survey and pop-up events).
    Complete: read about what happened during Stage 1. (September/October 2024)
  • Stage 2: Deliberative panel (a panel of key stakeholders and community members who will work collaboratively to recommend priorities for the Urban Greening Strategy). (February 2025).
  • Stage 3: Community feedback on draft Urban Greening Strategy (information sessions and feedback form). (Closed 4pm, 27 May 2025).

Information and documents on this page are available in alternative formats upon request.

Ask a question

Do you have any questions about the Urban Greening Strategy? Ask them here! We'll either answer it on this page (and send you an email) or we'll answer you directly.

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  • Share If we just adopted urban greening why are we planting then pulling up trees on the foreshore? on Facebook Share If we just adopted urban greening why are we planting then pulling up trees on the foreshore? on Twitter Share If we just adopted urban greening why are we planting then pulling up trees on the foreshore? on Linkedin Email If we just adopted urban greening why are we planting then pulling up trees on the foreshore? link

    If we just adopted urban greening why are we planting then pulling up trees on the foreshore?

    James Robinson asked about 1 month ago

    Hello and thanks for your question.

    Adoption of the Urban Greening Strategy and the removal of six trees were items considered separately by Council. Council voted to support both items. Council’s reasons for their decisions can be found in the minutes of the meeting located on the City’s website.

  • Share The Karratha Gas Plant began operations in 1984, without the consent of traditional custodians. 1. One negative with the Urban Greening Strategy is that large parts were written by individuals near the end. 2. Given that very large 'Mansion' buildings are short on trees will they be rated extra 3. South Perth has special trees - Nuytsia floribunda - will they be given special status? on Facebook Share The Karratha Gas Plant began operations in 1984, without the consent of traditional custodians. 1. One negative with the Urban Greening Strategy is that large parts were written by individuals near the end. 2. Given that very large 'Mansion' buildings are short on trees will they be rated extra 3. South Perth has special trees - Nuytsia floribunda - will they be given special status? on Twitter Share The Karratha Gas Plant began operations in 1984, without the consent of traditional custodians. 1. One negative with the Urban Greening Strategy is that large parts were written by individuals near the end. 2. Given that very large 'Mansion' buildings are short on trees will they be rated extra 3. South Perth has special trees - Nuytsia floribunda - will they be given special status? on Linkedin Email The Karratha Gas Plant began operations in 1984, without the consent of traditional custodians. 1. One negative with the Urban Greening Strategy is that large parts were written by individuals near the end. 2. Given that very large 'Mansion' buildings are short on trees will they be rated extra 3. South Perth has special trees - Nuytsia floribunda - will they be given special status? link

    The Karratha Gas Plant began operations in 1984, without the consent of traditional custodians. 1. One negative with the Urban Greening Strategy is that large parts were written by individuals near the end. 2. Given that very large 'Mansion' buildings are short on trees will they be rated extra 3. South Perth has special trees - Nuytsia floribunda - will they be given special status?

    David Dale asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. 

    The draft strategy has been written based on collective stakeholder feedback through the consultation process to date. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft. The UGS deliberately does not address the control of tress on private property as this is something most effectively managed, where possible, through the planning system. The City seeks to provide an emphasis on local species that are suitable to the Perth climate

  • Share Can you please provide more details on the Urban Greening Implementation Plan referred to in the draft Strategy? When will preparation of this start, how likely will it take to complete it for adoption by Council, will it be available for public consultation and how often will it be reviewed? on Facebook Share Can you please provide more details on the Urban Greening Implementation Plan referred to in the draft Strategy? When will preparation of this start, how likely will it take to complete it for adoption by Council, will it be available for public consultation and how often will it be reviewed? on Twitter Share Can you please provide more details on the Urban Greening Implementation Plan referred to in the draft Strategy? When will preparation of this start, how likely will it take to complete it for adoption by Council, will it be available for public consultation and how often will it be reviewed? on Linkedin Email Can you please provide more details on the Urban Greening Implementation Plan referred to in the draft Strategy? When will preparation of this start, how likely will it take to complete it for adoption by Council, will it be available for public consultation and how often will it be reviewed? link

    Can you please provide more details on the Urban Greening Implementation Plan referred to in the draft Strategy? When will preparation of this start, how likely will it take to complete it for adoption by Council, will it be available for public consultation and how often will it be reviewed?

    Kathy asked 3 months ago

    Hi there. Thanks for your question. Following Council’s adoption of the Urban Greening Strategy (Strategy) we’ll begin developing the Implementation Plan, which will be shaped by the valuable and extensive feedback provided by stakeholders and the community during the Strategy’s development. We’ll be able to confirm timeframes and any engagement opportunities for the Implementation Plan following the Strategy’s adoption.

  • Share Why do you spend so much time and money on tree verge planting and none actually asking the resident if they welcome having a tree or asking if a preferred location is available? Why so rude? As if the resident doesn't matter? on Facebook Share Why do you spend so much time and money on tree verge planting and none actually asking the resident if they welcome having a tree or asking if a preferred location is available? Why so rude? As if the resident doesn't matter? on Twitter Share Why do you spend so much time and money on tree verge planting and none actually asking the resident if they welcome having a tree or asking if a preferred location is available? Why so rude? As if the resident doesn't matter? on Linkedin Email Why do you spend so much time and money on tree verge planting and none actually asking the resident if they welcome having a tree or asking if a preferred location is available? Why so rude? As if the resident doesn't matter? link

    Why do you spend so much time and money on tree verge planting and none actually asking the resident if they welcome having a tree or asking if a preferred location is available? Why so rude? As if the resident doesn't matter?

    Annoyed asked 11 months ago

    Hello and thank you for your question. 

    While the City generally does not consult directly with property owners before planting trees on verges, as these areas are part of public and community space managed by us, we do welcome community input.

    As part of our engaging with community and looking at areas of improvement, we are currently seeking feedback on our Urban Greening Strategy. Please share your thoughts on tree locations and any other ideas you have that could enhance our verge planting initiatives. Your feedback will be considered in the drafting of the new Urban Greening Strategy.

  • Share Why is there not direct consulting of property owners before trees are planted without owner permission? I am today the recipient of such a tree and I am very angry that the Council acts in such a cavalier and unprofessional fashion. So much pretty paperwork about committees and processes, but the most important stakeholder - the resident- patently ignored. Stop wasting ratepayer resources and start asking people BEFORE the damned trees go in!!!!!! So much time and money wasted by such an easily fixed solution. on Facebook Share Why is there not direct consulting of property owners before trees are planted without owner permission? I am today the recipient of such a tree and I am very angry that the Council acts in such a cavalier and unprofessional fashion. So much pretty paperwork about committees and processes, but the most important stakeholder - the resident- patently ignored. Stop wasting ratepayer resources and start asking people BEFORE the damned trees go in!!!!!! So much time and money wasted by such an easily fixed solution. on Twitter Share Why is there not direct consulting of property owners before trees are planted without owner permission? I am today the recipient of such a tree and I am very angry that the Council acts in such a cavalier and unprofessional fashion. So much pretty paperwork about committees and processes, but the most important stakeholder - the resident- patently ignored. Stop wasting ratepayer resources and start asking people BEFORE the damned trees go in!!!!!! So much time and money wasted by such an easily fixed solution. on Linkedin Email Why is there not direct consulting of property owners before trees are planted without owner permission? I am today the recipient of such a tree and I am very angry that the Council acts in such a cavalier and unprofessional fashion. So much pretty paperwork about committees and processes, but the most important stakeholder - the resident- patently ignored. Stop wasting ratepayer resources and start asking people BEFORE the damned trees go in!!!!!! So much time and money wasted by such an easily fixed solution. link

    Why is there not direct consulting of property owners before trees are planted without owner permission? I am today the recipient of such a tree and I am very angry that the Council acts in such a cavalier and unprofessional fashion. So much pretty paperwork about committees and processes, but the most important stakeholder - the resident- patently ignored. Stop wasting ratepayer resources and start asking people BEFORE the damned trees go in!!!!!! So much time and money wasted by such an easily fixed solution.

    Annoyed asked 11 months ago

    Hi there and thanks for your question.

    There is generally no direct consultation with property owners in the City when planting trees on verges, as verges are part of public and community space and managed by the City.

    Street trees are planted across the City as part of our annual tree planting program to increase urban greening and can enhance property values by improving aesthetics, providing shade, reducing heat, and contributing to a healthier environment. Street trees also improve the liveability of our neighbourhoods.

  • Share I have 4 mature Marri trees in my yard plus a small Cape Lilac. Is conservation of trees on private land part of this strategy. on Facebook Share I have 4 mature Marri trees in my yard plus a small Cape Lilac. Is conservation of trees on private land part of this strategy. on Twitter Share I have 4 mature Marri trees in my yard plus a small Cape Lilac. Is conservation of trees on private land part of this strategy. on Linkedin Email I have 4 mature Marri trees in my yard plus a small Cape Lilac. Is conservation of trees on private land part of this strategy. link

    I have 4 mature Marri trees in my yard plus a small Cape Lilac. Is conservation of trees on private land part of this strategy.

    Steve asked 11 months ago

    Hello and thanks for your question.

    The answer is yes and no. Yes, in that there is a focus in the Urban Greening Strategy engagement on initiatives that could support the retention and promotion of greening on private property, such as education on the benefits of greening, extending the City’s tree giveaway program to shrubs and smaller plants that might be more suited to some properties. 

    No, in that there is currently no planning policy, legislation or mechanism to provide statutory protection for trees on private property. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is currently developing its Urban Greening Strategy for Perth and Peel, which will be taken into consideration by the City once it has been finalised.

  • Share What are the barriers toward adding reticulation to Coolidge reserve, and what are you doing to remove those barriers? on Facebook Share What are the barriers toward adding reticulation to Coolidge reserve, and what are you doing to remove those barriers? on Twitter Share What are the barriers toward adding reticulation to Coolidge reserve, and what are you doing to remove those barriers? on Linkedin Email What are the barriers toward adding reticulation to Coolidge reserve, and what are you doing to remove those barriers? link

    What are the barriers toward adding reticulation to Coolidge reserve, and what are you doing to remove those barriers?

    Antonie asked 11 months ago


    Thank you for your question.  

    At present, further development of Coolidge Reserve through installation of an irrigation system is not considered a priority as responsible management of valuable natural resources, in this instance groundwater, is a key consideration. Reducing the City’s ground water use through hydrozoning and irrigation efficiency design practices in existing irrigated passive spaces is the current focus. Development of dry landscaping in Coolidge reserve may be a consideration for the future.

Page last updated: 25 Jul 2025, 02:58 PM