Thousands of trees and plants are being planted in Canning Vale as part of a project to help increase shade and lower ambient temperatures in the suburb.
City of Gosnells and WA Local Government Association staff planted native seedlings at Atkinson Reserve last week, with a helping hand from Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, as part of a joint Urban Greening project between the City, WALGA and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the public open space corridor where the planting is taking place, between Bracadale Park and Auckland Park, was chosen because Canning Vale has the lowest tree canopy coverage in the City.
“Only 8 per cent of Canning Vale is covered by tree canopy and it has a high urban heat index, which means residents will rely more on air-conditioning and other means to keep cool during summer,” she said.
“Planting 1,100 trees and 3,000 understorey plants will increase the canopy by more than 7.5ha, in addition to the City’s extensive regular winter planting program.
“Increasing the shade in our community will improve the liveability of our neighbourhoods and boost local biodiversity, while helping to combat climate change in a small but practical way.”
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP welcomed the project’s progression.
“Research shows that we need at least 30% tree canopy cover to help ameliorate urban heat and support mental health benefits,” she said.
“WALGA is pleased to partner with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to distribute the Urban Greening Grants to Local Governments, particularly in highly used community locations where we know we have less than 10% existing canopy.
“We have long advocated that our Councils are best placed to know where and how to improve tree canopy, which of course improves neighbourhood amenity, air quality, and habitat for wildlife.”
Waterwise plants were selected to suit local conditions, including paperbark, flooded gum, marri and blackbutt. The project also includes planting additional street trees in the area.
The project is funded by a $115,000 State Government Urban Greening grant, administered in partnership with WALGA.
Visit yoursay.gosnells.wa.gov.au to find out more or apply for a street tree on your verge.
Subscribe to our eNewsletters