The City of Joondalup has been announced as a finalist for the Biodiversity Award in the prestigious Banksia National Sustainability Awards, recognising the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The City of Joondalup’s Climate Change Strategy adopts a multi-faceted and science-backed approach to address climate change impacts, rapid urban growth, and the increasing urban heat-island effect. This comprehensive strategy aims to improve biodiversity, enhance urban green spaces, and create sustainable, livable environments for all residents. Over the past few years, the City has implemented a range of initiatives that have made a meaningful impact on the community and the environment.
One of the standout achievements is the planting of more than 10,000 trees in the past two years as part of the City’s Leafy City Program, which focuses on areas identified as heat hotspots and the Winter Tree Planting Program in parks, streets, and verges. These efforts have significantly increased urban canopy cover, contributing to cooler streets and better air quality.
The City’s commitment to water conservation is evident through various initiatives, including the implementation of smart irrigation systems across parks and sporting fields using hydrozoning, ecozoning and waterwise landscaping.
The Waterwise Verge Rebate program also supported over 100 residents in transforming their verges into waterwise, native gardens, further enhancing the City’s sustainability efforts. The Native Plant Giveaway provided 7,850 native plants to residents to encourage them to create waterwise native gardens.
Collaboration with local organizations has been key to the success of these initiatives. In partnership with Birdlife WA, over 5,000 bird-friendly native seedlings were planted in two urban parks, with residents actively involved in the planting process. These initiatives contribute to increased habitat for local wildlife and the creation of beautiful, sustainable green spaces for the community to enjoy.
Additionally, the City has seen the successful production of 10,000 native plants annually through its nursery, which have been used in community planting programs and natural area restoration efforts. Thirteen Natural Area Management Plans have been implemented to ensure the long-term health and biodiversity of local ecosystems.
These efforts have earned the City several prestigious awards in the past, including the 2024 World Green City Award for "Living Green for Water" and the inaugural World Green City Youth Award. The City was also recognised as the 2022 Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year and has held Gold Waterwise Council status since 2014. The City also received the Water Sensitive Cities Award in 2021.
As part of the nomination, the City is now in the running for the Banksia People's Choice Award, and residents are encouraged to cast their votes to help Joondalup secure this significant accolade.
The Banksia People’s Choice Award is an opportunity for the public to show their support for sustainable initiatives that positively impact their communities. Voting is open now, and residents are urged to vote for Joondalup and help secure the City’s place as a leader in sustainability.
To cast your vote, visit National Finalists 2025 - Banksia Foundation and join us in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for Joondalup.
Winners will be announced at the awards presentation on Thursday 3 April 2025.