2000 trees planted at Bayswater park as urban forest transformation nears completion

More than 2000 trees have been planted at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater as Stage 1A of the $2 million urban forest project nears completion.

Supported by $1.83 million funding from the WA Government and a further $200,000 from the Australian Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the project aims to increase the area’s tree canopy and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley and students from Maylands’ Bold Park Community School gathered in Bayswater on Tuesday to plant 2000 trees near Slade Street and Memorial Drive.

Stage one of the project has been established over four hectares of open grassland on the eastern side of the parkland, between Memorial Drive and the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, extending north to King William Street. Further works on an additional two hectares of land are in the planning stages.

Once complete, the park’s redevelopment will also include new connecting pathways and trails, educational signage, bird waterers, wildlife boxes, turtle hides and public facilities.

State funding includes:

• $1 million via the former Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries;
• $600,000 from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation via the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program; and
• $233,147 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), $150,000 via the Community Rivercare Program and $83,147 via the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest Program.

The City of Bayswater is managing the project in partnership with Emerge Associates and Greening Australia who developed the original concept plan. Significant community consultation was undertaken on the plans.

Stage two of the Riverside Gardens Urban Forest project is expected to be completed in 2026.