WA Tree Recovery Program Local Government Grant Round 2

The WA Tree Recovery Grant Program (Grant Program) provides funding to local governments to plant replacement trees for those impacted by the Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB). It also supports increased canopy to reduce the impact of further PSHB spread. The Grant Program is delivered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, and supports the planting of trees that increase overall tree canopy cover and native biodiversity. 

The first round of the Grant Program awarded almost $1 million in funding, with more than 2,700 new trees planted across 20 local governments.

The objectives of the WA Tree Recovery Grant Program are to:

• contribute toward futureproofing Perth's urban tree canopy
• promote positive urban biodiversity outcomes
• promote a positive attitude towards urban greening
• reduce the financial impact on local governments that are:
  • replacing trees impacted by PSHB
  • undertaking planting projects to futureproof against potential canopy loss as a result of PSHB.

Applications are open for Round 2 of the Grant Program. The WA Tree Recovery Local Government Grant Program: Funding Guidelines – Round 2 (Grant Program Guidelines) contain the further information about the Grant Program and its terms and conditions. 

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 3 July 2026.  Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please email the DWER WA Tree Recovery Team treerecovery@dwer.wa.gov.au

Before starting your online application

Ensure you have read and understood the WA Tree Recovery Local Government Grant Program: Funding Guidelines – Round 2. 

Complete the relevant sections of the Grant Program spreadsheet/s (below) for each stream you are applying for. 

Each funding stream has a separate Excel spreadsheet:

• Stream 1 spreadsheet 
• Stream 2 spreadsheet

Local governments applying for a single stream must complete the relevant spreadsheet. Applicants seeking funding under both Streams 1 and 2 must complete both spreadsheets.

• Download and save the spreadsheet/s to your computer
• The completed spreadsheet/s will assist you to complete the application form.
• You will need to upload the completed spreadsheet/s before you submit the application form.
• The following tabs of the spreadsheet/s are mandatory:
  • Risk management
  • Budget summary
  • Relevant planting project/s. 

Round 2 of the Grant Program includes two streams:  Stream 1 – Tree replacement funding and Stream 2 – Futureproof funding. Projects in both streams are eligible for supplementary funding. 

The information below is a summary only. Additional application criteria are outlined in the Grant Program Guidelines. 

Stream 1 – Tree replacement funding: supports local governments replacing trees removed due to PSHB and improve long-term canopy cover.

• For every tree removed due to PSHB, $1,500 is available to replant 3 trees.
• At least one tree must be planted for each $500 of funding – these trees must reach at least 3 metres in height at maturity. 
• Funds can also be used to cover eligible items and services. 
• Funds can be used for multiple planting projects
• Replacement trees do not need to be planted at the removal site

• Funding is not available for trees that were funded for replacement planting in Round 1.

• •  

Stream 2 – Futureproof funding: for proactive planting projects that build additional canopy cover to futureproof for trees impacted by PSHB that are being managed, and/or against potential PSHB infestation and canopy loss.

• Up to $100,000 is available per planting project.
• Local governments can apply for multiple projects.
• At least one tree must be planted per $500 of funding – these trees must reach at least 3 metres in height at maturity. 
• Funds can be used for multiple planting projects. 
• •  

Supplementary funding: of up to $10,000 is available to cover additional costs of more difficult planting projects in Streams 1 and 2. Examples of eligible projects include those:

• in hardscaped environments (e.g. central business districts and piazzas)
• that require traffic management
• that require larger tree stock (must be more than 35 litres).
• •  

Who can apply? 

Local governments located in the Polyphagous shot-hole borer: Quarantine Area managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. 

Local governments that applied for funding in Round 1 can apply for funding in Round 2 for new planting projects.

Additional eligibility criteria are outlined in the Grant Program Guidelines. 

When can I plant?

Planting projects may start after an offer of funding is accepted and must be completed by 31 August 2028. Final reports must be submitted by 5pm Friday 6 October 2028. 

What are the eligible items and services? 

Full lists of approved and non-approved items and services are contained in the Grant Program Guidelines. Examples of eligible items and services include: understory plants (includes the use of tubestock), contracted labour (e.g. for planting and site preparation), establishment items (e.g. mulch, tree stakes, soil wetting agent) and traffic management.

How many planting projects can I apply for? 

Funding applications can include multiple projects. This application form allows you to outline five planting projects per stream. If you wish to apply for additional projects, please contact treerecovery@dwer.wa.gov.au for a manual project form. 

How do I apply for street tree planting projects?

This application form includes a section in each stream for street tree planting projects. To reduce administration, all street tree planting should be described in the relevant section of each applicable stream. List:  

• the suburb/s, and for each suburb
  • if planting will occur on the median strip and/or verge
  • the number of trees to be planted in the suburb
  • other relevant information (e.g. planting site/s location/context - will planting occur near public transport, a school, commercial area, etc.). 

Street trees include trees on verges and median strips. Each street tree planting site is eligible for supplementary funding.