Urban Greening Grant Program breathes new life to Byford

Published on Monday, 21 July 2025 at 10:35:14 AM

The Shire is pleased to announce we’ve officially completed two rounds of planting in the Byford Meadows area as part of the State Government’s Urban Greening Grant Program.

Funded by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and delivered in partnership with the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), this program aims to expand tree canopy and vegetation in urban areas and improve biodiversity.

In the last 12 months, the Shire has received approximately $77,300 through rounds two and three of the Urban Greening Grant Program. This funding enabled us to plant 203 trees and 4,750 plants and shrubs in various parts of the Byford Meadows Estate.

The species planted included:

  • Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum)
  • Melaleuca preissiana (Stout Paperbark)
  • Eucalyptus rudis (Flooded Gum)
  • Corymbia calophylla (Marri)
  • Agonis Flexuosa(Peppermint tree)

The planting efforts focused on areas identified as urban heat hotspots, where increased canopy coverage is most needed. As well as introducing shade and visual appeal, the plantings support local wildlife by connecting habitats and improving ecological corridors.

In addition to tree planting, the Shire upgraded and added to several rain gardens throughout Byford. Rain gardens help manage stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for birds and beneficial insects which further supports the local ecosystem.

This was a collaborative effort between the Shire’s Operations team and community groups including Landcare SJ, the Winjan Rangers, and the Byford Environmental Group. We were also happy to engage MetCONNX who hosted a thank-you BBQ for those involved.

These programs are part of our bigger commitment to creating a greener, more liveable Serpentine Jarrahdale. By planting more trees and supporting urban greening, we’re helping to cool our suburbs, connect natural habitats, and make our neighbourhoods even better places to live.

Find out more about the Urban Greening Grant Program here.

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