Western Australians will be able to claim free or subsidised native plants from their local councils over the next 12 months, with the return of Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme.
The annual scheme provides up to $5,000 to Waterwise Councils to co-fund urban greening initiatives that help create cooler, greener neighbourhoods and reduce outdoor water use.
“Native and waterwise plants are better suited to WA’s climate, helping households save water, reduce bills, and create greener, more resilient gardens,” said Water Minister, Daniel Pastorelli.
“This scheme, which has now provided nearly $1 million since 2019, makes it easier for local councils and communities to create green streets, verges, and gardens in a practical, waterwise way.
“With our climate getting hotter and drier, cooler, greener suburbs are good for liveability, good for water security, and good for the environment.”
Initiatives are delivered by participating councils, and can include waterwise plant giveaways, waterwise demonstration gardens, workshops, and garden competitions.
In 2025-26, the scheme helped fund a record 137,150 waterwise plants across 22 local councils, as well as 210 waterwise verge transformations, more than double the previous year.
Since 2019, nearly $1 million has been provided to participating waterwise councils.
With more than a third of residential water use occurring in the garden, waterwise plants significantly reduce consumption, help to lower bills, and support collective water security.
Funding applications are now open to endorsed Waterwise Councils, with initiatives to be announced by those participating councils during the next 12 months.
The Waterwise Greening Scheme supports the WA Government’s Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030.
