City sets winter planting record

The City of Gosnells is on its way to becoming greener, cooler and healthier, after it planted a record number of trees and plants this winter.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said the City planted 160,000 trees and plants during the winter planting season – 65,000 more plants and trees than last year, including 1,250 street trees.

“Greening public spaces and maintaining our tree canopy is a priority for the City of Gosnells,” she said.

“Keeping our natural environment healthy and productive, replacing weed species with native plants and planting trees for shade provides essential habitat for wildlife, improves local air quality and helps to keep our suburbs cooler. In short, it makes living in the City more comfortable and enjoyable.”

At the 10-hectare Southern and Canning River Confluence alone, more than 76,000 plants were planted.

The Southern and Canning River Confluence Foreshore Rehabilitation Project received partnership funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions through the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest Program. Stage 1 of the project will continue until December, with Stage 2 set to start in 2024.

“Engaging our residents through community planting days at Homestead Park in Thornlie and Elkhorn Avenue Reserve in Southern River was another great success, with residents coming together to plant over 16,500 seedlings,” Mayor Lynes said.

“For anyone who missed out joining in these popular community planting events, there are still a few weeks of cooler weather remaining, so now is the time to plant out your gardens and verges to improve the microclimate around your property.”

Improving the environmental sustainability of the City of Gosnells has been a strong focus this past year, with the development of the Sustainability Action Plan and Greening Gosnells Public Tree Strategy.

Click here for details about the City’s key environmental projects.