Are you missing out on free cash? The simple home upgrade putting money in Aussies’ pockets
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If you’ve ever thought about giving your home a facelift, now might be the perfect time—because not only will you be helping the environment, but you could also pocket some extra cash!
That’s right, thousands of Aussies are set to benefit from a new government initiative. It’s a win-win: greener suburbs, healthier communities, and a little bonus for your bank account.
Got a bit of space in your garden? You might want to dig out the gloves and get planting because the government’s offering cash just for adding a bit of greenery to your yard. It’s not just about making our neighbourhoods look lush and lovely (though that’s certainly a bonus).
Two new programs launching this week mean tens of thousands of Australians could soon be eligible for rebates of up to $150 simply for planting native trees. It’s all part of a push to restore the tree canopy after a nasty little beetle tore through Perth’s greenery.
In Western Australia, the ‘Treebate’ program—a $6.9 million initiative—is now open to all residents over 18.
Meanwhile, the WA Tree Recovery Program offers the same amount to those who lost trees due to the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer.
‘Everything we can do to enhance and plant more trees across Perth, and our entire state, will unlock a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for the entire community,’ said WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey added: ‘All these measures will help increase urban canopy, protect biodiversity and cool our suburbs.’
So how do you get involved? If you’re a West Aussie, you can apply through the ServiceWA app from Monday, July 28.
Whether you’re restoring what the beetle destroyed or starting fresh with some native blooms, you could be in line for a tidy little bonus.
And about that beetle—it’s no small pest. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has already destroyed over 4,500 trees in Perth, including 20 historic fig trees. It doesn’t munch on the wood itself, but it brings in a destructive fungus that slowly strangles the tree from the inside out. Avocados, maples, gums… you name it, it’s at risk.
The federal government’s already called off its efforts to eradicate the pest, and now experts are warning it’s only a matter of time before it crosses state lines.
‘We’ve been assuming it’s going to be coming any day for a year or two now,’ warned Professor Brett Summerell from Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. ‘We’re working on the assumption that it could be tomorrow.’
Still, it’s not all bad news. Aussies everywhere are slowly turning their backs on high-maintenance lawns and European ornamentals, opting instead for hardy native plants that thrive in tough conditions.
Also read: Aussies can receive $200 annually for doing this good act
‘A lot of native plants have adapted to the harsh Australian climate, and these unique evolutions mean they can survive in drought and poor quality soils,’ said environmental educator Clancy Lester. ‘They don’t have the water demands like some of our lawns and English plants do.’
So if you’ve been meaning to make the switch—or just want an excuse to get the grandkids involved in a backyard project—this might be the perfect time to cash in and give something back to your patch of the planet.
If you’re in WA and keen to take advantage of the rebate, here’s what you need to do:
- Choose a suitable native tree for your garden (your local nursery can help with recommendations).
- Plant your tree and keep your receipt.
- Apply for your rebate through the ServiceWA app from 28 July.
It’s a small effort for a big reward—not just for you, but for your community and the environment.
Read more: Is this normal, or is it a looming threat? Here's how to spot this invasive plant in your garden
Are you planning to plant a native tree in your backyard? Have you already made the switch to a native garden? Or have you been affected by the shot-hole borer in your area? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and photos. Share your experiences in the comments below!
That’s right, thousands of Aussies are set to benefit from a new government initiative. It’s a win-win: greener suburbs, healthier communities, and a little bonus for your bank account.
Got a bit of space in your garden? You might want to dig out the gloves and get planting because the government’s offering cash just for adding a bit of greenery to your yard. It’s not just about making our neighbourhoods look lush and lovely (though that’s certainly a bonus).
Two new programs launching this week mean tens of thousands of Australians could soon be eligible for rebates of up to $150 simply for planting native trees. It’s all part of a push to restore the tree canopy after a nasty little beetle tore through Perth’s greenery.
In Western Australia, the ‘Treebate’ program—a $6.9 million initiative—is now open to all residents over 18.
Meanwhile, the WA Tree Recovery Program offers the same amount to those who lost trees due to the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer.
Tens of thousands of West Australians can now claim up to $150 in rebates for planting native trees in their backyards, thanks to two new government initiatives starting this week. Image source: Emily Park / Unsplash. Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
‘Everything we can do to enhance and plant more trees across Perth, and our entire state, will unlock a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for the entire community,’ said WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey added: ‘All these measures will help increase urban canopy, protect biodiversity and cool our suburbs.’
So how do you get involved? If you’re a West Aussie, you can apply through the ServiceWA app from Monday, July 28.
Whether you’re restoring what the beetle destroyed or starting fresh with some native blooms, you could be in line for a tidy little bonus.
And about that beetle—it’s no small pest. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has already destroyed over 4,500 trees in Perth, including 20 historic fig trees. It doesn’t munch on the wood itself, but it brings in a destructive fungus that slowly strangles the tree from the inside out. Avocados, maples, gums… you name it, it’s at risk.
The federal government’s already called off its efforts to eradicate the pest, and now experts are warning it’s only a matter of time before it crosses state lines.
Authorities warn the shot-hole borer has destroyed thousands of trees in Perth and poses a serious threat to urban and natural environments across Australia. Image source: Dgomezuf / Wikimedia Commons.
‘We’ve been assuming it’s going to be coming any day for a year or two now,’ warned Professor Brett Summerell from Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. ‘We’re working on the assumption that it could be tomorrow.’
Still, it’s not all bad news. Aussies everywhere are slowly turning their backs on high-maintenance lawns and European ornamentals, opting instead for hardy native plants that thrive in tough conditions.
Also read: Aussies can receive $200 annually for doing this good act
‘A lot of native plants have adapted to the harsh Australian climate, and these unique evolutions mean they can survive in drought and poor quality soils,’ said environmental educator Clancy Lester. ‘They don’t have the water demands like some of our lawns and English plants do.’
So if you’ve been meaning to make the switch—or just want an excuse to get the grandkids involved in a backyard project—this might be the perfect time to cash in and give something back to your patch of the planet.
If you’re in WA and keen to take advantage of the rebate, here’s what you need to do:
- Choose a suitable native tree for your garden (your local nursery can help with recommendations).
- Plant your tree and keep your receipt.
- Apply for your rebate through the ServiceWA app from 28 July.
It’s a small effort for a big reward—not just for you, but for your community and the environment.
Read more: Is this normal, or is it a looming threat? Here's how to spot this invasive plant in your garden
Are you planning to plant a native tree in your backyard? Have you already made the switch to a native garden? Or have you been affected by the shot-hole borer in your area? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and photos. Share your experiences in the comments below!
