- Almost $1 million in funding provided to 20 local governments under the first round of the Local Government Grant Program
- Funding will deliver more than 2,700 new trees across metropolitan communities, helping rebuild greener, cooler neighbourhoods and strengthen our urban canopy
- Part of State Government's $7.2 million response to replace trees lost to shot-hole borer as part of the eradication response under the WA Tree Recovery Program
The Cook Labor Government is backing local governments to restore lost trees and strengthen our urban canopy as part of a $7.2 million program responding to the polyphagous shot-hole borer.
Almost $1 million has been awarded to 20 local governments under the first round of the Local Government Grant Program, supporting the replacement of more than 900 trees lost to shot-hole borer and helping rebuild greener, cooler neighbourhoods.
The program supports increased canopy coverage by funding the planting of three new trees for every tree removed during the eradication effort - helping create more liveable communities that can be enjoyed by Western Australians for generations to come.
Local governments were also encouraged to select species that enhance Western Australia's unique native biodiversity.
Successful recipients under Local Government Grant Program Round 1:
- City of Bayswater $38,760
- City of Belmont $54,959
- City of Canning $58,140
- City of Joondalup $16,630
- City of Kalamunda $51,276
- City of Melville $80,900
- City of Nedlands $107,068
- City of Perth $56,434
- City of South Perth $36,480
- City of Stirling $140,173
- City of Subiaco $12,937
- City of Swan $7,201
- City of Vincent $59,827
- City of Wanneroo $2,085
- Town of Cambridge $7,672
- Town of Claremont $110,009
- Town of Cottesloe $12,204
- Town of East Fremantle $22,873
- Town of Mosman Park $84,360
- Town of Victoria Park $17,594
Total funding: $977,582
Round 1 was launched on 26 May 2025 and applications closed on 7 July 2025 - the second round of funding will open in the second quarter of 2026.
In a separate initiative, residents impacted by shot-hole borer on their private property can also apply for rebates to replace trees lost to the invasive beetle.
Eligible landowners can claim up to $150 for every tree removed under the authorisation of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) as a result of shot-hole borer.
More information on residential rebates and how to apply can be found on the WA Tree Recovery Program website .
DPIRD is leading the nationally funded biosecurity response to manage shot-hole borer. Find advice and information about polyphagous shot-hole borer in WA on DPIRD's website.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"This funding will support local governments to order tree and understory stocks for planting across the 2026, 2027 and 2028 planting seasons.
"Our government is committed to creating communities that are greener, healthier and more liveable places where people can enjoy cleaner air, cooler streets and stronger local biodiversity.
"We will continue investing in tree-planting initiatives and future greening strategies because building resilient, thriving urban environments is essential to Western Australia's long-term environmental health and community wellbeing."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"We know how beloved trees are to our local communities and understand the impact the borer has had on our urban tree canopy.
"Local governments and communities continue to play an important role in this response and have worked alongside our government since the borer was detected.
"I'm pleased our government is providing significant support to help these communities replace the trees they've lost and help our urban tree canopy to thrive again."
