Tree-mendous honour for City of Perth
- City recognised internationally as 2023 Tree City of the World.
- City of Perth’s Urban Forest Plan (2016-2036) is designed to promote the long-term benefits of tree canopy cover.
- More than 7,000 trees have been planted since the launch of the plan.
The City of Perth has been recognised internationally as a 2023 Tree City of the World for our urban forest and greening efforts.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the prestigious award recognised the City’s work to expand and care for the urban tree canopy across City parks and streets.
“Trees are incredibly important in the City. Not only do they provide a vital habitat for wildlife, they also help cool the City, improve our general well-being and create a more liveable and sustainable City for all,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Of course, it is not just about the number of trees we plant but how we protect and help them to grow and contribute to the canopy over time. We've done the work to provide the right infrastructure and plant a variety of trees that will survive in our harsh climate to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The Tree Cities of the World program endorses urban forests that are protected, nurtured, managed sustainably, and celebrated for the wide range of benefits they bring to city dwellers.
“In the past few years we’ve really expanded the way the City promotes and celebrates our trees. There’s some wonderful community planting and celebratory days around the corner, starting with the WA Tree Festival in April and our own month-long investment in Tree Month in May. Last year, our inaugural Tree Month saw the City and our community plant more than 300 trees and almost 500 shrubs as part of verge transformations, and this year is set to be even bigger,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Our National Tree Day event in July also saw 200 volunteers with 3600 plantings completed in no time.”
The City of Perth’s Urban Forest Plan (2016-2036) is a 30-year strategic action plan, designed to promote the long-term benefits of tree canopy cover. Since the launch of the plan, the City has planted more than 7,000 trees.
Run by the Arbour Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the Tree Cities of the World Program is a global effort recognising cities committed to their urban forests.
Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Dan Lambe said trees were important to people, no matter what country they were from or what language they spoke.
“We all want to live in a city that is healthy, resilient, and beautiful – trees serve as a common language to make that possible. Being recognised in the Tree Cities of the World program means that your city is committing to go above and beyond to define trees as critical green infrastructure for your citizens,” Mr Lambe said.
To be recognised as a Tree City, the City of Perth had to:
- demonstrate its policies, procedures and laws for tree planting, care and protection
- regular monitoring and assessment of the tree population
- show it had dedicated project budgets and funding
- nominated staff with responsibility for trees
- celebrate achievements.
ENDS
Issued by: Brooke Hunter, media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
