Living green

The City’s popular annual planting program runs multiple events from June to August throughout the City. Run in partnership with the community, the program aims to help increase tree canopy, native plants and habitat for wildlife in our parks, bushlands, coastal and wetland areas. This program not only helps protect and enhance our environment, but is a great way to meet new people and connect with your community.

Following is an outline of the City’s events in 2026.

In addition, our champion School Bushcare Conservation Groups will be planting at:

• Trigg bushland– St Mary's High School (North Beach)
• Memory Place – Churchlands Senior High School (Churchlands)
• Meadow Brook – St Andrews Grammar School (Dianella).

Registrations for the 2027 Free Trees and Plant Program will open in mid-March 2027. To be among the first to hear when registrations open, sign up to our Living Green newsletter (subscription details are at the bottom of this page).

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 program. Almost 3,000 households received more than 36,000 trees and native plants, an increase of 20 per cent compared with the previous year. The program’s continued popularity is helping to grow our urban canopy, support local biodiversity and create greener neighbourhoods across the City.

Eligibility criteria

• Residents and tenants living within the City of Stirling
• Allocations are per household (not per person)
• Tenants are eligible, however homeowner approval is required
• Investment properties were not eligible unless owner-occupied.

General guidelines

• Trees must be planted in gardens (not on verges)
• Plants can be planted in gardens or on verges (in line with City height guidelines)
• Trees should be planted at least 2 metres from buildings and boundaries
• All plants and trees must be planted in the ground (not pots).

Further details will be provided in 2027.

Switch Your Thinking offers residents access to more than 20 exclusive discounts and special offers designed to help households save money and live more sustainably.

Current offers include discounts on products and services such as worm farms, blower door testing, ceiling fans, smart home technology and home soil consultations. The program continues to expand, with new business partners and offers regularly added.

Discounts are applied at the point of sale, making it easy for residents to access savings without the need for additional applications or paperwork.

To view the latest offers, visit the Switch your Thinking website.

A range of incentives and discounts are offered to assist residents to help reduce water usage. These include:

• Waterwise Toilet Rebate
• Waterwise Irrigation Rebate
• Discounts on hot water, heat pumps and pool covers are also available through the City’s partnership with Switch Your Thinking
• Greywater system fee relief from the City.

To learn more about the City’s water programs, visit the Water management page.

Water for wellbeing

The City has recently launched a fun, interactive game that’s popping up at local events, including our popular Tree and Plant Giveaway, inviting the community to discover why groundwater matters.

Often overlooked compared to tap water, groundwater plays a vital role in supporting our homes and gardens, local businesses, parks, bushland, trees and wetlands.

By playing, residents learn how precious groundwater is, how it’s used, and the simple actions we can all take to help protect this increasingly threatened resource.

Native Plant Guide

There are many factors to consider when creating a native, waterwise verge - from understanding your soil type to selecting the right plants and designing your layout. For guidance tailored to local conditions in the City of Stirling, explore the SERCUL Native Plant Guide below, developed specifically for our residents.

Native Plant Guide

The City has partnered with Switch Your Thinking to unlock a variety of discounts for residents and buisnesses on energy efficient, waterwise and sustainable products. Think solar panels, batteries, pool blankets, worm farms and more!

Learn how to access rewards and discounts on our Energy programs and incentives page. 

Visit the energy programs and incentives page

The City offers a range of waste incentives to help residents reduce landfill and improve recycling habits. Programs include rebates for cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products, free community workshops, and tailored bin feedback through the Bin Tagging Program. Schools can also participate in the WasteSorted Schools initiative to promote sustainability among students.

Visit our waste initiatives page.

The Nature Stories Schools Activity invites students to explore how our everyday actions can shape the future of trees, wildlife and waterways.

While it began as a City-run competition, the educational resource and much-loved characters continue to inspire students as a creative classroom activity.

Through crafting stories – written or illustrated – students can step into the shoes, paws or wings of Quincy the Quenda, Taylor the Tuart Tree, Buzzby the Bee, Wyatt the Water Drop, or create a nature-inspired persona of their own.

By seeing the world through nature's eyes, students are encouraged to connect with their local environment, explore important sustainability themes and consider how we can all help protect the natural world for future generations.

If your class, school or student takes part, we'd love to see what you create. Be sure to share your work with us!

Download the Nature Stories Schools Activity