- Waterwise Greening Scheme now open to waterwise-endorsed local governments
- More than a third of water used domestically is in the garden
- Almost $1 million awarded to eligible councils since scheme began in 2019-20
- More than 400,000 free plants distributed
- Kings Park Favourites range now available
A scheme that has provided more than 400,000 free native plants to households across the State is now open, making establishing a waterwise garden much easier for plant lovers in Western Australia.
The Waterwise Greening Scheme, which is run by Water Corporation, provides eligible councils with co-funded financial support for urban greening projects, native plant giveaways and gardening workshops.
Almost $1 million has been awarded to eligible local government authorities since the scheme began in 2019-20.
This year, the WA utility has teamed up with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority to promote the water-saving benefits of native plants ahead of what is predicted to be another long, hot summer.
More than a third (36 per cent) of water used domestically is in the garden, making native plants a smarter choice for WA.
The opening of the 2025-2026 Waterwise Greening Scheme coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Botanic Garden at Kings Park.
In honour of the significant milestone, horticultural experts created the Kings Park Favourites range - a selection of 24 hardy and ornamental native plant species that have been bred for the WA climate.
These tough plants have been used in Kings Park's displays over many years and are now available to the public through select nurseries.
The Waterwise Greening Scheme is part of the WA Government's Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan plan to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030.
Last year, $140,000 was awarded to 18 waterwise-endorsed councils. Funding also supported the installation of 82 waterwise verges, 115,000 waterwise plants, 280 street trees and was used to host five waterwise gardening workshops and a demonstration garden.
For more information on the 2025-26 Waterwise Greening Scheme, visit Water Corporation's website. Details about localised programs, free plants and workshops will be publicised by local governments.
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"Rainfall has dropped sharply over the past 50 years, and dam inflows are now just one-sixth of what they used to be - making waterwise gardening more important than ever.
"And with more than a third of water used by households going into our gardens, native plants are a smarter choice because they're suited to our climate, need less upkeep and, crucially, require far less water to survive our long, hot summers.
"As climate conditions continue to change, we all need to stay focused on protecting our water future by using it wisely."
