- Riverside Gardens Urban Forest project supported by $1.83 million from the Cook Labor Government
- Six hectares of grassland to be transformed into thriving urban forest with new community facilities
- Project to boost tree canopy and enhance natural environment
Work is underway to establish a new urban forest at the popular Riverside Gardens in Bayswater, supported by $1.8 million in funding from the Cook Labor Government.
Enhancing the natural environment and boosting tree canopy coverage are the main aims of the project, as well as reducing groundwater use, improving habitats for birds and other species, and increasing native vegetation.
The Riverside Gardens Urban Forest project is supported by WA Government funding of $1.83 million and a $200,000 contribution from the Commonwealth Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
State Government funding for the project includes:
- $1 million through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC);
- $600,000 from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation via the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program; and
- $233,147 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), which includes $150,000 through the Community Rivercare Program and $83,147 from the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program.
The City of Bayswater will manage the project in partnership with Emerge Associates and Greening Australia who developed the original concept plan following extensive community consultation.
Stage one of the urban forest development will be established on four hectares of open grassland on the eastern side of the parkland, between Memorial Drive and the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, extending north to King William Street.
Another two hectares will be developed during stage two of the project.
The completed urban forest development will feature:
- large trees, smaller vegetation, landscaping and turf;
- new concrete and limestone paths and trails;
- sheltered picnic tables and benches;
- arrival and educational signage; and
- drink fountains, a bird waterer, bird/bat boxes and turtle hides.
Both stages of work on the Riverside Gardens Urban Forest Project are expected to be completed in 2026.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Our Cook Labor Government is proud to support this valuable project which will deliver environmental, social and economic benefits for the local and wider community.
"Among the many environmental advantages are the reduction of the urban heat island effect, providing a home for native fauna, and improving air, soil and water quality.
"Other community benefits include encouraging interaction with nature, improving health and wellbeing, and providing cool, shady spots to sit and relax.
"I look forward to seeing the results of the Cook Labor Government's investment in this project as open grassland at Riverside Gardens is turned into a beautiful forest and becomes an even more popular place for people to come and enjoy."
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program highlights how the WA Government, through DWER and Water Corporation, is helping local governments to reduce their groundwater use without contributing to the urban heat island effect.
"By converting an under-utilised grassed area into a waterwise urban forest here at Riverside Gardens, the City of Bayswater is reducing groundwater use in line with the 2022 Gnangara groundwater allocation plan, which requires local governments within the plan area to reduce their groundwater use by 10 per cent from 2028.
"This is one of a number of innovative projects under the WA Government's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Action Plan 3) that aims to establish Perth and Peel as leading waterwise communities by 2030."
As stated by Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:
"Planting trees is one of the easiest ways for us to mitigate against climate change and keep our suburbs cooler, which is why the Cook Labor Government is committed to increasing Perth's canopy cover.
"By establishing this urban forest in Perth's inner-eastern suburbs, we are supporting critical wildlife habitat and preserving the area for future generations to enjoy."
As stated by City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti:
"The City of Bayswater is delighted to be able to deliver an urban forest to our community within the much-loved Riverside Gardens.
"The support of the State and Federal governments has been integral to this project.
"The Riverside Gardens Urban Forest will support biodiversity, increase our tree canopy and provide a wonderful place for our community to connect with nature and each other."
