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
To assist the City’s residents reduce garden water use, we offer a financial rebate to create waterwise verges and give away native waterwise plants and soil improver to support their survival. Rebate funds are up to $250 along with the freebies that are listed below.
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 adding new mulch.
- Irrigation infrastructure
- Syntehtic turf
- Verge installations prior to the dates of application approval (i.e. there are no retrospective rebates).
- Verge treatments without waterwise plants added to the verge area (no verges with only mulch or another singular treamtent)
- Works that have more than 25% hard stand
When and how to apply
Applications open on 1 April 2024 and ends on 30 September 2024. All works complete by then to claim your funds.
To apply:
- Complete the application form (below), and attach your 'before' photo and a simple design of what you intend to plant on your verge
- You will receive an email from the City that either approves your application or suggests changes to be made
- Once your application is approved, the details to collect your giveaways from the Operations Centre are sent to you.
- Once approved, you can get started!
- Keep a copy of your receipts. When you are finished, complete the rebate form online, attach your receipts and an 'after' photo of your verge.
- You will receive an email letting you know when your rebate will be paid into your account.
Waterwise Design Application Form
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. Along with up to $250 when your receipts are submitted with the rebate form!
Once your application is approved, an email will be sent with details of collection times and plant species.
Freebies for the verge:
- 30 local native plant tubestock (species will be emailed with approval)
- 2 bags of soil improver
- 30 native plant fertiliser tablets
- 1 bag of Bentonite Clay (to mis with soil around plant. Increases water and nutrient retention and soil health)
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.