May 2024

Perth has the lowest tree canopy coverage of any Australian capital cities, and we continue to lose mature trees as infill development increases.

Trees are vitally important because they contribute to increased local biodiversity, visual amenity, community wellbeing and help reduce the impact of urban heat island effect.

Maintaining and growing a healthy, resilient, and diverse urban canopy is everyone’s responsibility – State Government, Local Government, landowners, the development industry, and the community.

As it stands, the State Government’s planning framework does not require development approval for the removal of significant or mature trees. Trees can be cleared from privately-owned land before a development application is lodged and this has meant a significant decline of canopy cover across our suburbs. The current system is not equipped to adequately protect significant trees, particularly on private properties.

In the greater metropolitan area, more trees are being removed than are being planted. Aside from development, the impact of the polyphagous shot-hole borer infestation is also contributing to the loss of urban canopy across local government areas.

A decisive response is needed now to ensure protection of significant tree canopy across the State.

ACTION IS NEEDED

We advocate for immediate attention to this issue from the State Government. There needs to be clarity and consistency around a baseline level of protection against the removal of trees on private and public property to ensure our tree canopy is not compromised.

We advocate for greater protection of significant trees and canopy on private and public land. This does not mean trees cannot be removed, but where trees need to be removed, there should be requirements for suitable offsets to ensure the protection of our tree canopy.

Local Governments’ circumstances, and the priorities and aspirations of their respective communities, each differ. Where a local government wishes to implement additional tree protection, this should be accommodated by the State Government. We can and should ensure a minimum level of tree canopy is provided for all new housing developments.