Local governments to receive up to $100,000 to assist with tree recovery from infestation of shot-borer
Local governments in Perth and Peel can now apply for grants of up to $100,000 to replace trees lost to polyphagous shot borer and expand urban tree canopies.
The second round of State Government funding, part of a $7.2 million programme, is supporting projects that revegetate affected areas and increase canopy cover to help create cooler, greener suburbs.
In the first round in 2025, almost $1 million was donated to 20 municipalities and more than 2,700 trees were planted.
Local governments can apply for more than one project to receive funding for planting in the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the grants would help councils restore and strengthen urban forests in the metropolitan area.
“These grants will help local governments replace trees lost to boreholes, expand the urban canopy, and future-proof communities against rising temperatures,” he said.
“More trees means more shade, cooler streets, stronger biodiversity and healthier communities, which is why we continue to invest in the urban environments where Western Australians want to live.”
Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Don Punch said the funding will support communities affected by the invasive pest.
“Our communities value their trees very much, and we are aware of how the borer impacts our urban canopy,” he said.
“Local governments and residents have been vital partners in this biosecurity response.”
In March, City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon called for more funding from the State Government to help combat the destructive borer.
He claimed the lack of support meant residents were essentially paying double for eradication efforts.
Hyde Park in North Perth was one of the most devastated areas where hundreds of mature trees had to be destroyed due to the spread of the cannonball borer. Additional trees are being planted in the area to help rehabilitate the islands.
