The importance of water conservation
The local climate is drying, this makes water conservation and water efficiency measures a critical step into a future of reduced rainfall.
Our gardens can use up to 40 per cent of households’ water consumption. Reducing water use and using it efficiently on our gardens plays a significant role in reducing household water use.
Local, native waterwise plants
Local, native plant species have evolved with our dry conditions, this makes native West Australian and Australian plants the most water efficient and waterwise plants. Using plants that are endemic to your area will attract birds, provide refuge and food for our local wildlife. Planting these species encourages local biodiversity and helps to replenish habitat that is lost in urban development.
Rebate amount and details
The rebate supports verge landscaping installations that use waterwise practices and waterwise plants, especially native plants, including:
- Removal of turf (lawn/grass)
- Removal of gravel and loose rocks
- Removal of synthetic turf (strongly encouraged)
- Planting waterwise plants to fill a barren, un-landscaped verge
- Installing a waterwise garden in new properties that have no landscaping
- Planting up disconnected verges and side verges. These are verges with restricted verge access from the private property.
The rebate does not support:
- Infill verge projects that are working on an already vegetated verge that are adding plants; revitalising degraded and dying plants or mulch.
- Irrigation infrastructure
- Verge installations prior to the dates of application approval (i.e. there are no retrospective rebates).
When and how to apply
Applications will open in April 2024.
To apply:
- Take a 'before' photo of your current verge and prepare a simple design of what you intened to plant on your verge
- Complete the application form below, and attach your 'before' photo and simple design
- You will receive an email from the City that either approves yor application or suggests changes to be made
- Once your application is approved you can get started
- Keep a copy of your receipts and once works are complete you will need to fill in the rebate for and attach your receipts and a 'after' photo of your verge works.
- Once your rebate form has been processed you will recieve an email and a timeline of when your rebate will be paid to you.
- Once your application is approved you will receive an email from the City with details of collection of your giveaways from the Operations Centre.
What residents receive:
To assist the City’s residents reduce garden water use, we offer a financial rebate to create waterwise verges with native waterwise plants. Further help to complete verge, the City is giving away plants, soil wetter and soil improver, these are listed below.
Once your application is approved you will receive an email from the City with details of collection of your giveaways from the Operations Centre.
Waterwise Verge Guidelines and Tips
Ensure you visit the Verge Improvement Guidelines in the related documents below and Creating a waterwise verge – Water Corporation webpage prior to construction for more futher information and handy tips.
More information and contact
Water Corporation provides guidance on creating a waterwise verge, including plans, recommended plants and video tips. Please also refer to the City’s Street Tree Verge Improvement Policy below.
For more information about the application process and rebate, please contact the City on 08 9411 3444 or email us.