Verge Incentive Scheme

The City of Canning's Verge Incentive Scheme supports residents to create and maintain Waterwise verge gardens using locally native, low-water-use plants. These gardens help:

• Provide habitat for local wildlife
• Enhance local biodiversity
• Improve streetscape amenity

Once your verge garden plan is approved and maintained for at least four months, you may be eligible for a financial rebate.

Please note: Funding is limited. Apply early to avoid missing out, and speak to your neighbours—multiple gardens on one street can make an even greater impact!

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to:

• Property owners in the City of Canning
• Tenants and occupiers (with written consent from the property owner or authorised strata representative)

Verge Garden Guidelines

All verge gardens must comply with the Streetscape Management – Verge Landscape Treatments Policy (ET529).

Key requirements:

• No synthetic turf or gravel
• Paving is limited to 33% of the verge area, including crossover and footpath (if present)
• Paving requires written approval – include a sketch with your application and the City will advise if changes are needed

A copy of the policy is available in the documents section.

If you have questions, contact the City Greening team:
📞 1300 422 664 | 📧 parks.admin@canning.wa.gov.au

How to Apply

To apply for the scheme:

1. Take ‘before’ photos of your verge
2. Sketch a simple plan of your proposed garden
3. Complete the application form (attached)
4. Email your application to: parks.admin@canning.wa.gov.au
5. Make any adjustments requested by the City and resubmit your plan
6. Receive written approval, which includes a rebate application form
7. Install the garden as per your approved plan
8. After four months of maintenance, submit your rebate application with ‘after’ photos
9. Continue to maintain your verge garden

If you're renting, the property owner must sign the application.

Street Tree Requirement

If your verge doesn’t have a street tree, you’ll need to leave space for one to be planted. Refer to the Tree Policy (ET525) in the document section.

Already have a street tree?

• Avoid disturbing the roots during planting
• Do not place mulch against the trunk

Key Dates

• Applications open: May 2025
• Application deadline: 30 July 2025
• Rebate applications close: 30 May 2026

Rebate Details

• $10/m² rebate (up to $500) for approved Waterwise verge gardens
• Paid 4 months after rebate application if the garden is established and maintained
• Additional $10/m² rebate (up to $500) for removal of non-compliant treatments (e.g. synthetic turf, gravel, excessive paving)

Other Important Information

Before You Dig

Check for underground services via Before You Dig before planting.

Choosing the Right Plants

• Use locally native, Waterwise plants
• Avoid species that are poisonous, prickly, or allergenic
• Select plants that can be maintained under 700mm in height

Visit your local nursery or the Water Corporation's Waterwise plant guide for advice.

Need Inspiration?

Visit the City’s demonstration verge gardens at Edgeware Park, Lynwood (access via Edgeware Street carpark).
Themes include:

• Local Native Species
• Native Garden
• Cottage Garden
• Succulent Mediterranean Garden

A list of plants used is available in the document section.

You can also explore plant lists by soil type at the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) website.

Soil Types by Suburb

• Central Coastal Plain: Bentley, Bull Creek, Ferndale, Lynwood, Parkwood, Riverton, Rossmoyne, Shelley, St James, Welshpool, Wilson (part)
• Eastern Coastal Plain: Cannington, East Cannington, Queens Park, Wilson (part)