The Importance of Water Conservation
We have a dry local climate which makes water conservation and water efficiency measures critical. Gardens use up to 40 per cent of a households’ total water consumption. By reducing water use on our gardens, we can decrease our overall household water consumption, saving water and saving money.
Local, Native Waterwise Plants
Local native plant species have evolved with our dry climate, making native West Australian and Australian plants highly water efficient. Using local species not only conserves water but also fosters habitats for local wildlife, offering food and shelter. Planting these species promotes biodiversity and helps to restore habitats that are being lost to urban expansion.
To help residents reduce water usage in the garden, the City offers a rebate of up to $250 to create a native plant waterwise verge. The rebate supports water-efficient practices and the use of native plants in verge landscaping, including:
- Removal of turf (lawn/grass) to install a waterwise garden
- Removal of gravel and loose rocks to install a waterwise garden
- Planting waterwise plants to cover bare, non-landscaped verges
- Establishing a waterwise garden on a new property with no landscaping
- Planting a waterwise garden on side verges and verges that are disconnected to the resident's property.
The rebate does not support:
- Verge installations there were completed prior to the application approval dates (retrospective rebates are not available)
- Infill projects on an existing vegetated verge where plants are added, revitalised, or mulch is applied
- Irrigation infrastructure
- Synthetic turf
- Verge installations using non-waterwise plants
- Verges with over 25 per cent of hard surfaces, such as paving or compacted dirt.
This rebate is supported by the
Water Corporations Waterwise Council Program
Additional give-aways
Along with the $250 Waterwise Verge Rebate, we also give applicants the following:
- 30 local native plant tubestocks (species will be emailed with approval)
- Two bags of soil improver
- 30 native plant fertiliser tablets
- One bag of Bentonite Clay (to mix into the soil around the plant- increases water and nutrient retention as well as general soil health).
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email detailing collection times and plant species.
Guidelines and tips
For more information and tips on how to construct a waterwise verge, read the 'Verge Improvement Guidelines' and 'Grow Local Guides' found in the 'Related Documents' section at the bottom of this page, or visit our sustainable gardening web page. The Water Corporation also provides guidance and tips, including verge plans and recommended plants.
To find out more about what is and isn't allowed on your verge, including plant heights, verge designs and acceptable materials, please read the City’s Street Tree Verge Improvement Policy in the 'Related Documents' section at the bottom of this page.
Applications open 1 April 2024 and close 30 September 2024. All verge installations must be completed by the closing date to claim your funds.
To apply:
- Complete the application form (by clicking the yellow button below), which includes attaching a 'before' photo and a simple design of what you intend to plant on your verge
- You will receive an email from the City that approves your application or suggests changes
- Once your application is approved, you'll receive instructions on how to pick up your giveaways from the City's Operations Centre in Bibra Lake
- Once approved, you can get started!
- Keep a copy of your receipts. When you are finished the installation, complete the rebate form online, attach your receipts and an 'after' photo of your verge
- You will receive an email informing you when your rebate will be paid into your account.
Waterwise Design Application Form
More Information and Contact
For more information about the application process and rebate, please contact the City on 08 9411 3444 or email us.