Over the last few years, we know that thousands of trees in Western Australia have been lost to Polyphagous shot-hole borer, or PSHB.
The WA Tree Recovery Program has been designed to specifically support those people and places across Perth who have lost trees to PSHB.
Under this program, we are providing a $150 rebate to replant a tree for every tree lost to PSHB.
Below is some important information on how the State’s nurseries and garden retailers can help the community pick the right tree and get their rebate.
Tax invoices
Suppliers are required to provide customers with a tax invoice that meets Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements:
- WA-based business name and Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Receipt number
- Receipt total value (including GST)
- Purchase date
- Itemised tree and establishment item purchase
Ensure the tax invoice is not handwritten and has no handwritten additions such as date or ABN
A valid tax invoice is required as proof of tree purchase and to show the price paid for the tree and establishment items. The rebate amount that eligible claimants will receive is equal to the amount they spent on the tree and establishment items, up to $150.
Plant labels
A photo of the plant label showing the scientific or common name is required to verify that the claimant has purchased an eligible tree. The plant label can either be a tag in the soil or on the pot, a sticker on the side of the pot or a sign for the tree species that sits on the display shelf. If you don’t provide individual pot labels, please direct the customer to where they can take a photo of the sign/label for the tree they are purchasing.
Eligible trees and establishment items
To be eligible for a rebate the customer must purchase a tree. The program has defined a tree as having a canopy that will reach at least 3 metres in height when mature. Customers are not required to purchase a native tree to be eligible for the WA Tree Recovery Program rebate.
The customer will not be eligible for a rebate if they purchase a box elder maple (Acer negundo), robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia, also known as mop top robinia or black locust) or coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii). These tree species are extremely susceptible to PSHB and increase the risk of infestation to surrounding trees.
Tree planting establishment items can also be included in the $150 claim. Eligible establishment items include soil, soil improver, fertilizer, mulch, soil wetting agent, tree support stakes and guards and additional eligible trees. Eligible establishment items and the replacement tree must be purchased in one transaction.
How can you help?
By providing advice to customers on:
- Selection of native trees suited to the space in their yard
- Tree planting and care
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