Perth's Tree Canopy Crisis: Carey Points Finger at Councils and Residents
Planning Minister John Carey has launched a pointed critique of local councils and some Perth residents over the city's scarce tree canopy, even as he unveiled a new $10 million grant program to boost urban shade.
The minister made his comments while participating in a tree-planting event with students at Kyilla Primary School in North Perth on Thursday, where he officially opened applications for the State Government's "Let's Grow" grants.
Ambitious Target for Urban Greenery
The Western Australian government has set an ambitious target to increase Perth's tree canopy coverage from a concerning low of 16 percent to 30 percent by the year 2040. "Tree canopy cools our streets. It makes our neighbourhoods more liveable," Carey emphasised during the school visit.
He argued that local governments already possess sufficient powers to address the issue but have been hesitant to use them effectively. This criticism comes after several mayors called for state-level legislation to protect mature trees on private properties.
Controversy Over Council Powers
"I do find it ironic that local governments complain we are taking away their powers, when in this case they are empowered to take action," Carey stated pointedly.
He cited the example of Kalamunda Council, which introduced a local planning policy requiring development applications for private tree removal, only to rescind the policy when it was first challenged by a resident wanting to install a backyard swimming pool.
"This is contentious," Carey acknowledged, highlighting the political challenges surrounding tree protection measures at the local government level.
Developer Guidelines and Resident Actions
The Planning Minister revealed that the State Government is currently reviewing its "liveable neighbourhoods policy" to ensure developers allocate adequate space for trees in new developments. "The size of verges, enabling trees, retention of trees. Some land developers are way out front," he noted.
However, Carey also pointed to another significant obstacle: homeowners who remove trees from their properties. "We're looking at our guidelines, we're looking at the requirements for Greenfield estate, but even when you create that space for trees, there's plenty of examples where residents are taking the trees out immediately," he explained.
$10 Million Grant Program Launched
The newly announced "Let's Grow" grants program will provide funding ranging from $500 up to $100,000 for schools and community groups to undertake tree-planting initiatives across Perth. Applications for the first round of funding close on June 30, 2026.
This substantial investment represents the state's most significant direct funding initiative to address Perth's urban heat island effect and improve neighbourhood liveability through increased greenery.
The minister's dual approach of providing financial support while publicly criticising perceived inaction by local authorities and some residents underscores the complex challenges facing Perth's urban forest strategy as the city works toward its 2040 canopy target.
