Living Green Program

City of Stirling residents will soon be able to apply for the Verge Mulch Starter Pack to help create a waterwise native verge. This pack includes a mulch voucher, instructional video and compulsory education workshop. The registration link will appear on this page on the City’s website at 10.00am on 30 January 2026.

This initiative reduces water use by limiting grass and paved surfaces on verges. Participants must commit to following the City’s verge policy, attending one of any three workshops during February or March and completing a short outcomes survey. Sign up to the City’s Living Green newsletter to be the first to know when registrations open as places are limited.

Frequently asked questions

How is the City supporting residents to create a native and waterwise verge?

A mulch voucher, compulsory education workshop and instructional video will be available for City of Stirling residents through the Verge Mulch Starter Pack, with registrations for the program opening at 10.00am on 30 January 2026. This program aims to reduce water use by limiting grass and paved surfaces on verges. Places in the program are limited, and successful applicants must be able to attend a workshop, use the mulch on their verge, follow the City’s Verge Policy and complete a short outcomes survey.

How can I get involved?

Registrations for the program will open on 30 January 2026 at 10.00am. Mark the date in your diary, visit the Living Green webpage and look for the ‘Verge Mulch Starter Pack’ section to register via the online application form.

What is new with this incentive offering?

• Support is no longer in the form of monetary rebates post-makeover. Instead, participants will receive a mulch voucher after attending the compulsory education workshop
• Approximately 200 places are available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
• Free plants are no longer included. However, participants will receive information about how to apply for up to 10 free native plants through the Free Tree and Plant Program, which opens on Wednesday 25 March 2026
• Most of the previous year's conditions and requirements have been removed to broaden eligibility. There are no longer any verge categories or support tiers - all participants receive the same support.

Who can apply?

• City of Stirling residential property owners, or tenants (with approval from owner)
• Strata properties are eligible (as one verge) with pre-agreement from body corporate. Note: Strata verges may also choose to apply for a grant if they do not apply for this starter pack
• Multiple verge spaces of one property are considered one verge entity under this program.

What are the conditions?

• Residents cannot register for more than one City of Stirling address
• Participants agree to use the mulch only on the verge of the City of Stirling residential address registered on their form
• Participants with large verges can apply again in a following year to receive additional support
• Participants agree to attend an in-person workshop (Three dates are available in February and March)
• Participants agree to complete an online survey about the incentive program in June 2026
• Quick grant recipients where verge support already received will be ineligible to apply.

How will I know if I am successful?

Successful residents will receive a confirmation email within two weeks of applying. They will receive a link to enrol in a compulsory workshop and link to an educational video. Following the workshop, attendees will receive their voucher. The Sustainable Verge Makeover Guide is also available on the City’s website offering FAQs, tips, planning assistance and links to resources.

What support is provided?

• Participants will attend a compulsory workshop that outlines the steps involved in transforming your verge, a $150 mulch voucher will be provided once you have attended this workshop
• A video link to an instructional video will be sent
• On 30 January from 10.00am, support to apply is available at Stirling Libraries (Dianella, Inglewood, Karrinyup, Mirrabooka, Osborne Park and Scarborough). This is available on a first-served basis and is subject to staff availability.

What if I have further questions?

• First, check the Sustainable Verge Makeover Guide
• For verge/property-specific questions, refer to the streets, verges, crossovers, and traffic webpage for permits, applications, and guidelines
• Contact the City to speak with a Sustainability Officer at www.stirling.wa.gov.au/enquiries or call (08) 9205 8555

Help create cooler, greener, and healthier neighbourhoods! Shade trees and waterwise plants not only conserve water but also provide homes for local wildlife. As part of the City of Stirling’s annual Free Trees and Plants program, eligible residents can soon apply to receive:

• Up to four free trees
• One plant pack (10 WA native waterwise plants).

Registrations open at 10.00am, Wednesday 25 March 2026.

This is a very popular program and spots fill fast - mark your calendar!

FAQs

Eligibility

• Who can apply? Residents and tenants within the City of Stirling who live at the property where the plants and trees will be planted
• Tenants? Yes, with homeowner approval
• One pack per household only: One plant pack and up to four trees per property (not per person)
• Investment properties? Not eligible unless you live there.

Registration

• When? Registrations open at 10.00am, Wednesday 25 March 2026
• Can someone register for me? Yes. They’ll need your full name, tree selection, and address
• No computer access? Visit any of the Stirling Libraries (Dianella, Inglewood, Karrinyup, Mirrabooka, Osborne Park, Scarborough) for assistance. This is subject to staff availability.

Plant and tree selection

• What’s included? Each plant pack contains 10 labelled WA native waterwise plants:
  • Verge Plant Pack: For planting on the verge or garden
  • Garden Plant Pack: For garden only. Species vary based on availability. Packs cannot be changed or substituted
  • Trees: Choose up to four species from our list (available online before 25 March). Some popular species are limited to one per household
• Why tube stock? Better survival rates, stronger roots, faster growth and smaller holes to dig!
• Note: Trees and plants must be planted in the ground - not in pots.

Collection details

• Where? Henderson Environmental Centre, North Beach
• Collection dates:
  • Saturday 11 April 2026
  • Thursday 16 April 2026
  • Saturday 2 May 2026
  • Saturday 9 May 2026
  • Thursday 14 May 2026
  • Saturday 23 May 2026

Tip: Bring photo ID and proof of address when collecting your plants.

Why participate?

• Nearly half of all household water is used in the garden. Native plants require significantly less water than traditional lawns or exotic species once established
• Trees keep us cool. Urban areas without trees can be significantly hotter
• Native plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies which is essential for biodiversity
• Habitat for wildlife is shrinking – your garden can make a difference!

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 City’s popular annual community planting program runs multiple events from May 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 it’s a great way to meet new people and connect with your community.

Registrations will open in April 2026.

Sign-up to the Living Green newsletter to learn more.