Bringing back nature into our city

We’re always looking for ways to enable our state to thrive. It's no secret the South West of WA is an incredible place. But did you know it's also one of only 34 biodiversity hotspots worldwide?

Perth and the wider Swan Coastal Plain is home to more than 5,700 plant species. Out of these, 79% are endemic which mean they are found nowhere else on earth. However, its status as a biodiversity hotspot also acknowledges the huge loss of native vegetation. 

NatureLink Perth is taking an innovative approach to caring for our remaining biodiversity. They've developed a community of diverse stakeholders with a renewed focus on restoring nature links.

What are nature links? 

Animals need to move between natural areas to find food and shelter. This is difficult in cities, where natural habitat has been cleared to make way for development. 

A nature link is a wildlife-friendly pathway connecting conservation areas of bushland and wetlands. They help our furry friends travel safely across urbanised areas. They are also great places for people to interact with nature. But they don’t just have to be a physical green corridor. They can take on any nature-friendly design to assist native plants and animals to thrive. 

How we’re helping

NatureLink Perth has identified more than 1,250 opportunities to connect larger pockets of vegetation in our city. Together with Murdoch University, we’ve used spatial analysis mapping to identify our infrastructure built near potential nature links. 

A new project is investigating how we can create a nature link between Kings Park and Bold Park. The route chosen includes one of our drainage assets.

On the path to a better-connected future

Another way we’re working to improve connectivity is through our Drainage for Liveability program. The program transforms stormwater drains and basins into thriving, living streams and habitat areas. This supports the reintroduction of biodiversity in our communities and provides nature links across the city.

As the program grows, NatureLink Perth's data, along with our safety and operational planning will help us identify further drainage sites that can be transformed to improve habitat connectivity. 

Our Waterwise Greening Scheme provides funding to local government to support greening. This includes planting waterwise trees and creating waterwise gardens and verges. This enables everyone to create habitat gardens of local native plants that support our biodiversity.

It takes all of us working together across the water cycle to make Perth a great place to live. This way we can ensure we're caring for our native vegetation and the critters that call it home.