- Local school students plant 2,000 trees as part of Bayswater Riverside Gardens Urban Forest project
- First stage of the $2 million project nears completion
- Urban forest to transform underused open space into a vibrant native landscape
More than 2,000 trees have been planted at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater as the first stage of the $2 million urban forest project nears completion.
Supported by $1.83 million funding from the Cook Labor Government and a further $200,000 from the Commonwealth Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the project aims to increase the area's tree canopy and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley and students from Maylands' Bold Park Community School gathered in Bayswater on Tuesday to plant 2,000 trees near Slade Street and Memorial Drive.
Stage one of the project covers four hectares of open grassland on the eastern side of the parkland, between Memorial Drive and the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, extending north to King William Street. Further works on an additional two hectares of land are in the planning stages.
The project has been developed with significant input from the local community.
Once complete, the park's redevelopment will also include new connecting pathways and trails, educational signage, bird waterers, wildlife boxes, turtle hides and public facilities.
State funding includes:
- $1 million via the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries;
- $600,000 from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Water Corporation via the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program; and
- $233,147 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which includes $150,000 via the Community Rivercare Program and $83,147 via the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program.
The City of Bayswater is managing the project in partnership with Emerge Associates and Greening Australia, which developed the original concept plan.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The WA Government is proud to support this valuable project - we know how important urban forests are to the liveability of our city.
"Added shade in more corners of the city will help us to combat the urban heat island effect.
"Bold Park Community School students should be proud of their efforts; volunteering is not only beneficial to our communities, but extremely empowering and rewarding.
"These students are helping to increase the tree canopy in their neighbourhood, which can cool homes, streets and parks and create a vibrant natural landscape."
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Increasing tree canopy throughout the metropolitan area is a vital part of mitigating the impacts of climate change and keeping our suburbs cooler.
"This urban forest will also expand habitat for native birds and other wildlife, complementing the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary that already exists within Riverside Gardens.
"The Cook Labor government is pleased to be supporting innovative projects that deliver positive environmental outcomes while enhancing the liveability of local communities."
As stated by Acting Water Minister Reece Whitby:
"The State Government's Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program is supporting local governments, like the City of Bayswater, to reduce their groundwater use and improve climate resilience through targeted investments.
"This project will transform a large, grassed area that is currently irrigated and underutilised into a waterwise urban forest.
"Collaborative projects like this are a great example of how multiple levels of government can work together to conserve Western Australia's precious water resources."
As stated by Maylands MLA Dan Bull:
"I am excited to see this project coming to life, which will be a huge asset for our community.
"This urban forest will continue to grow and evolve and will be here for the community to enjoy for decades to come."
As stated by City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti:
"The City is delighted to see the first stage of this significant project nearing completion.
"With support from the State and Federal Governments, we're proud to be delivering a project that will enhance biodiversity, support urban cooling and reflect our community's passion for sustainability and nature.
"The involvement of local students in today's planting is a practical way of connecting young people with the importance of greening our City."
