Published on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 8:02:17 AM

Shire of Mundaring continues to deliver practical action to grow and protect the local tree canopy, while also adopting a new policy to guide how memorials are managed on Shire-managed land. 

This article clarifies information published in the Friday 24 April edition of the Echo. 

Supporting tree canopy growth and recovery 

The Shire is actively working to grow and protect tree canopy across the district through planning, on-ground action and long-term environmental management. 

This work is guided by the local planning framework, which supports responsible land use and the protection of vegetation where possible, while balancing development, safety and environmental outcomes. 

The Shire regularly undertakes planting programs, manages street trees and reserves, and works with the community to support greening across both public and private land. 

As part of this work, the Shire’s long-standing seedlings program will deliver 17,806 plants this year, including around 8,700 trees that contribute directly to canopy growth. This program is supported by a total budget of $47,000, with approximately $22,000 allocated to trees. 

Recent reporting combined several separate programs, which created confusion. These programs serve different purposes and are managed by different organisations. 

The Urban Canopy Grant Program delivered funding to increase tree canopy in targeted areas and supports the Shire’s broader commitment to growing the urban forest. 

The management of polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) is led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Shire supports this work through local actions focused on long-term tree health and landscape management. 

The Tree Recovery Program is a separate State-led initiative. It provides rebates to residents for tree replacement following removals under biosecurity management. 

Each of these programs plays a distinct role and reflects ongoing, practical work to protect and enhance the local environment. 

A clear and consistent approach to memorials 

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 14 April 2026, Council adopted a new Memorials Policy. The decision was carried unanimously. 

The policy provides a clear and consistent framework for managing memorial requests across parks, reserves, trails, community facilities and Shire-managed roads. 

It responds to an increase in requests from community members and ensures each application is assessed fairly, safely and respectfully. 

The policy recognises that memorials can support people in grief while also considering public safety, accessibility and long-term maintenance. 

Different types of memorials are supported under the policy, including: 

• roadside memorials, managed in line with Main Roads WA guidelines
• commemorative furniture, such as park benches with small plaques
• memorial walls at Shire cemeteries, once established

In most cases, applicants will cover the cost of installation. The asset then becomes a Shire asset and is maintained as part of normal service levels, while plaque upkeep remains the responsibility of the applicant. 

Both the Shire’s canopy work and the new Memorials Policy reflect a focus on practical, community-first outcomes. 

They balance community needs with safety, sustainability and responsible management of public spaces, while continuing to deliver improvements that benefit the whole community.

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