Thousands of Aussies in Western Australia are eligible for a $150 cash rebate through a green-minded government scheme encouraging the planting of native trees.
Western Australia’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has rolled out a new incentive scheme geared at ramping up the number of native trees in the state.
Named “Treebate”, the initiative encourages people to purchase a new native tree and plant it in your yard.
Any Western Australian who buys into the scheme buy picking up a native tree from their local garden centre or nursery can then claim a rebate of up to $150 via ServiceWA.
The scheme is open to any Western Australian over the age of 18, who can claim up to one native tree each.
To claim a rebate you must:
• Choose a native tree with a canopy that reaches at least 3m in height by maturity
• Provide a photograph of the plant showing the scientific or common name
• Get a tax invoice as proof of your purchase.
The scheme has been capped at $6.9m and is running over the next four years – as authorities scramble to replace 4,500 trees lost to invasive insect species in Perth in recent years.
The scheme was initially launched a year ago and with two months until its anniversary, more than 2,000 people have already taken up the offer.
And a second tree-based scheme has also created opportunity for landowners to claim $150.
Known as the WA Tree Recovery Program, the scheme allows people to claim up to $150 for every tree lost during the shot-hole borer crisis.
Matthew Swinbourn, WA’s Environment Minister, said: “Everything we can do to enhance and plant more trees across Perth, and our entire estate, will unlock a range of social, economic and environmental benefits for our entire community.”
