After a public meeting in April 2023 the Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates was established with an ambition for a cooler, liveable environment. You can browse our current initiatives and developments over the years at our Facebook page.
In May 2023, we affiliated with the WA Tree Canopy Advocates – learn more about that relationship here or checkout their website here.
Temperatures are higher in urbanised areas because of roads, carparks and treeless verges. Having a tree canopy covering 30% of the land drops average temperatures by over a degree.
Geraldton only has 7.6% tree canopy coverage. Perth has 16%, Brisbane over 40%.
Our ambition is 20%.
If we can achieve this objective it will mean less need for airconditioners, greater flood mitigation and higher property values.
By 2024, GTCA had planted 170 trees on verges and in parks with permission from the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG). You can register your interest to have a street tree planted on your verge: contact the City’s Infrastructure Services Department on (08) 9956 6600 for more information. This program has been so successful that there is now a waiting list. GTCA isn’t involved in the project, but did help to spread the word – so we take some credit for it’s success.
Advocacy
We presented to the CGG electors’ meeting in 2024 to encourage them in their Greening Plan. We regularly meet with councillors and continue to advocate for more council plantings in the CBD, as well as an increase in the number of verge trees available each year.
We have a monthly session on TripleM morning radio.
We have tailored our presentations for meetings with Rotary, Probus, the WA RV gathering in Nabawa and Hon MP Lara Dalton.
Planting
“Adopt a Stop” is about planting trees at or near bus stops to provide shade. Bus stops in Beresford, Beachlands, Bluff Point, Drummonds were planted in 2024.
We have planted trees along popular footpaths to provide shade. Acacia Street, Kempton Street and Stella Maris Drive are now well-established.
We have established massed plantings in public parks (with local council permission) starting with Spalding Park
We have facilitated local initiatives, such as the Beachlands project in which residents could apply for a free verge tree from CGG. These trees are not the same as the council-installed trees because the owner-occupier digs the hole, plants the tree and takes responsibility for watering over the first two summers. 100 trees were planted as a result of this program.
We have supplied trees to local schools for their National Tree Day planting projects, and to the Spalding Park Miniature Railway to add shade and beauty.
Partnerships
We are separate to the City of Greater Geraldton, but we support their tree-planting initiatives and know how to comply with their guidelines.
Mid West Ports have provided infrastructural support and funding.
Great Northern Rural Services have helped with purchasing materials.
Ray White Real Estate have provided funding and are pioneering a new initiative to encourage new homebuyers to plant trees.
You! Volunteers, private donors, those who spread the word about the value of trees. You make the foundation of all that we do.
The WA Tree Canopy Advocates have helped us focus and organise.
You can see our story in pictures at our Facebook page.
Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates 