Mayor Margaret Thomas expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to be among the first recipients of the Urban Greening Grants Program. This funding will enable us to undertake crucial initiatives that contribute to our environmental sustainability goals while enhancing the liveability of our City."

The Urban Greening Grants Program, managed by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and funded by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), allocated $591,839.32 across multiple local governments in the Perth and Peel regions to support tree planting and understorey vegetation projects, addressing urban heat island effects, promoting biodiversity, and improving neighbourhood aesthetics and functionality.

The City’s successful proposal, titled ‘Keeping it Cool’ received $55,664.60 to plant trees and understorey vegetation along a key thoroughfare corridor in Forrestfield. This initiative not only mitigates the urban heat island effect but also creates ecological linkages and provides essential habitats for local wildlife, including black cockatoos.

"Our 'Keeping it Cool' project shows our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. We look forward to implementing this initiative and making a tangible difference in our City,” said Cr Thomas.

The Urban Greening Grants Program, with its dual rounds of funding, underscores the ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development and climate resilience in Western Australia.

For more information about the Urban Greening Grants Program and City of Kalamunda's initiatives, please visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au