UPDATE: Perth’s green spaces are under urgent threat as the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) has just announced a need for $100 million over the next decade to combat a devastating beetle and to increase the city’s dwindling tree canopy. The polyphagous shot-hole borer, a tiny but destructive pest, is wreaking havoc on trees across urban areas, including Hyde Park and the iconic Kings Park.
This funding request comes at a critical time when Perth’s urban tree canopy stands at just 22 percent, showing a minimal increase of only one percent from 2020 to 2024. With the State Government targeting a 30 percent canopy by 2040, WALGA warns that without immediate financial support, this goal will remain out of reach.
The proposed funding allocation includes $45 million over the next four years aimed at stopping the spread of the beetle, and $40 million for planting 200,000 new trees and four million smaller plants. This green initiative could create green spaces greater than eight times the size of Kings Park, addressing both environmental needs and the increasing urban heat.
“Without greater action, our existing trees are at risk, and we face a crisis,” said WALGA President Karen Chappel. The fight against the borer has shifted from mere protection to active management, requiring substantial funding to help local councils safeguard the remaining trees.
Chappel highlighted the role of trees in mitigating heat, pointing to the recent heatwave that illustrated the need for increased tree cover. “Shade can reduce temperatures by about eight degrees,” she noted, emphasizing the urgent need for legal protections to retain established trees.
The urgent call for funding is compounded by the growing demand for housing, with a rush to clear land potentially jeopardizing existing trees. WALGA has urged the State Government to finalize its urban greening strategy and improve protections for established trees, which are crucial for maintaining Perth’s ecological balance.
As the financial burden shifts to landholders, local governments and private citizens are urged to act swiftly to manage the borer’s impact. “Support is essential now,” Chappel stressed. “Without it, the borer will likely spread further, undoing the progress made in public spaces.”
The State Budget, set to be released mid-next year, will be pivotal in determining the future of Perth’s trees and green spaces. The community is rallying for rapid action to ensure the health of their urban environment and the legacy of their city.
With the clock ticking, residents and advocates alike are encouraged to share this urgent news, pushing for immediate support and action to preserve the green heart of Perth.
