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% 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.
About the Waterwise Verge Rebate
To assist the City’s residents to reduce water needs in the garden, we are offering a rebate to create a native plants waterwise verge.
The rebate supports verge landscaping installations that use waterwise practices and waterwise plants, especially native plants, through the below actions:
- Removal of turf (lawn/grass)
- Removal of gravel and loose rocks
- Infill a bare, un-landscaped verge with waterwise plants
- Install a garden in new properties with no landscaping
- Planting up disconnected verges and side verges, that have restricted access to the verge from their private property.
The rebate does not support:
- Verge installations prior to the dates of application approval (ie. there are no retrospective rebates)
- Infill verge projects that are adding or revitalising plants or mulch.
How to apply
Applications Closed
We want to thank everyone for helping Cockburn become a Waterwise community.
We look forward to seeing your applications in 2021.
Important notes
If a street tree is required, this will be planted in the following year. Please allow space for this whilst completing your verge makeover.
Remember to take ‘before and after’ photos of your verge garden and keep a copy of receipts for claiming the rebate.
More information and contact
Water Corporation provides guidance on creating a waterwise verge opens in a new window, 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.