City of Armadale-based advocacy group, the Kelmscott Progress Network (KPN), has expressed their joy at the recent opening of the WA Government’s Let’s Grow Greening Grants program, which offers funding from $500 up to $100,000 for urban greening projects across Perth and Peel.
According to the WA Government, the Let’s Grow Grants recognise the role schools and community groups can play in leading urban greening.
Therefore, the grants seek to empower local leadership and support projects that align with the Urban Greening Strategy.
A total package of $10 million over four years will deliver the grants program, with $2.5 million allocated each financial year to support as many eligible projects as possible.
The first round will support projects that increase tree canopy and greening in urban areas where people live, learn, work and spend time, including school grounds, community spaces, street verges, parks, carparks, neighbourhood hubs, public transport stops, and walking and cycling routes.
This is part of the broader goal of increasing Perth’s total tree canopy, which is the lowest of all Australian capital cities.
Round One grants are offered through two streams, small projects of $500 to $10,000 and large projects of $10,001 – $100,000.
The grants are administered by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission as part of the State Government’s Let’s Grow – Leafy and Liveable Communities Program.
The KPN has embraced the program enthusiastically.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local schools, community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations and other community organisations in Kelmscott to secure funding for projects that increase tree canopy, improve public spaces and make our suburb greener, cooler and more attractive,” they said.
“Kelmscott has plenty of locations that could benefit from additional trees and landscaping, including parks, community facilities, transport precincts, walking and cycling routes, verges and neighbourhood gathering spaces.
“We encourage local organisations to consider applying and putting forward ideas. The more applications that come from Kelmscott, the better chance we have of attracting investment into our community and increasing the number of trees and green spaces throughout the suburb. If you’re involved with a local group, now is a great time to start thinking about what projects could make a difference.”
Ideas for projects include adding trees for shading and cooling in well-used sites, greening hot, paved surfaces to reduce urban heat, supporting biodiversity through planting local native species and boosting resilience by adding a variety of new species.
To apply for the grant, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/…/document…/lets-grow-grants.
