Waterwise Verge Rebate

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.

Waterwise Verge Rebate

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

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.

Rebate

If your application has been approved, please complete the rebate form to receive your funds. You will need:

• after photo
• copy of receipts
• bank details

Waterwise Rebate 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.