WA Tree Recovery - Local Government Grant Program

Program overview

The Government of Western Australia is committed to strengthening Perth’s urban canopy for the future. As part of this effort, the WA Tree Recovery Local Government Grant Program, being delivered through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, provides funding to local governments to replace trees that have been removed due to infestation by the Polyphagous shot-hole borer. 

The grant program supports the planting of trees that enhance Western Australia’s native biodiversity, contribute to overall tree canopy cover and help reduce the risk of further shot-hole borer spread.

Local Government Grant Program – round one

Round one was launched on 26 May 2025 and applications closed on 7 July 2025.

Almost $1 million has been awarded to 20 local governments under round one of the Local Government Grant Program.

For every tree removed due to shot-hole borer infestation, local governments could apply for up to $1,140 in funding. This covers one primary replacement tree, two additional trees and eligible establishment items and services (including understory plants). In addition to this base funding, supplementary funding of up to $150,000 per planting site was available to assist with high-cost replacement planting sites in specific circumstances.

Local governments were collectively applying for funding to replace more than 900 trees lost to shot-hole borer. The grant program funds the planting of new trees to increase overall tree canopy coverage. For every tree that was removed, the program supports planting three new trees.

Successful recipients under Local Government Grant Program, round one: 

City of Bayswater - $38,760

City of Belmont - $54,959

City of Canning - $58,140

City of Joondalup - $16,630

City of Kalamunda - $51,276

City of Melville - $80,900

City of Nedlands - $107,068

City of Perth - $56,434

City of South Perth - $36,480

City of Stirling - $140,173

City of Subiaco - $12,937

City of Swan - $7,201

City of Vincent - $59,827

City of Wanneroo - $2,085

Town of Cambridge - $7,672

Town of Claremont - $110,009

Town of Cottesloe - $12,204

Town of East Fremantle - $22,873

Town of Mosman Park - $84,360

Town of Victoria Park - $17,594

Total funding: $977, 582

Local Government Grant Program – round 2

The Local Government Grant Program will open its second round of funding in the second quarter of 2026.

Eligibility criteria and application information will be made available in early 2026.

Contact

To find out more about the program, please contact the Tree Recovery team at treerecovery@dwer.wa.gov.au.

Polyphagous shot-hole borer 

The national biosecurity response to Polyphagous shot-hole borer has transitioned to a management phase following a decision by the National Management Group that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate the pest.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the transition to management in WA to minimise the impact of shot-hole borer on Perth’s tree canopy and help protect the State’s horticultural industries.

Over the next 18 months, DPIRD will work with industry, community and local government partners to build capacity to manage the pest.

For more information, visit DPIRD’s Polyphagous shot-hole borer website.