The Western Suburbs Regional Organisation of Councils (WESROC) highlighted the importance of Perth’s Urban Forest at the launch of its Climate Smart adaptation series, at the Grove Library in March.
The ‘Preserving our Urban Forest’ event drew 130 people who enjoyed stalls and presentations.
Kaarakin, the Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre, which aims to raise awareness and conserve the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos, kicked off the morning.
Peppermint Grove Shire President Rachel Thomas said, “the work Kaarakin are doing, from rehabilitating injured birds and revegetating areas of land providing linkages and food for the Carnaby’s, is marvellous”.
Dr Paul Hardisty, Director of the National Climate Adaptation Flagship at the CSIRO, illustrated how climate change is impacting Perth.
He talked about the role of trees in reducing temperatures within urban areas, which made a strong case for valuing trees and vegetation beyond the confines of an economic lens.
Artist and urban designer Peter Ciemitis discussed the need for improved urban planning to prevent losing our urban forest.
Photographs showed how urban development was incorporated into the landscape in the 1970s and 1980s, where mature trees were retained.
The photos clearly illustrated how much suburbs had changed over the years.
The Beyond Gardens Team rounded off the morning with a workshop on bioscaping, providing practical advice on the benefits of planting native species that support insects, birds and reptiles in Perth’s hot dry climate.
The success of WESROC’s Native Plant Subsidy Scheme, where residents can buy native plants at a subsidised price of $1.50 each from a local nursery, shows how valuable workshops like this are.
Town of Mosman Park Mayor Ron Norris commended WESROC for its Climate Smart initiative – one that will assist Perth’s western suburbs to adapt to a changing climate.
He encouraged residents of all WESROC Councils to take an active interest in preserving urban oases.
“Living as we do, between river and sea, if we are enjoying the ocean, the green spaces, the river and bay, then the responsibility rests with us to ensure these areas are preserved and protected for future generations.”
City of Nedlands Mayor Max Hipkins said efforts to preserve the urban forest fits well with WESROC’s Whadjuk Trail Network.
“The trails highlight nature conservation and education, as well as promoting the cultural, ecological, and social values of the Western Suburbs to the wider community”.
This project involves community environmental groups from the WESROC region, local government and the Noongar people.
The network of walking trails links remnant bushlands, parkland, coastal areas and Aboriginal sites, fostering an appreciation of the outdoors.
The facilities for family and recreational walkers enhance an understanding and continue to form a robust link between the wider community and traditional owners of the land.
