A program designed to save water and improve street appeal across the state has been met with ‘overwhelming’ support in Mandurah.
Local residents have been signing up to the Waterwise Verge Makeover in droves, according to the City of Mandurah.
The program involves transforming verges across the city with native flowering plants in an attempt to conserve water.
While the first workshop for 2019 is still months away, the local government has been inundated with more than 120 people already expressing their interest.
The City Mandurah have already reached a point where they have had to start encouraging people to wait until next year’s workshops.
In its first year, residents from 60 Mandurah properties express their interest in the initiative.
The interest has been far more than anticipated but a pleasant surprise for staff, according to City of Mandurah deputy mayor Caroline Knight.
Cr Knight urged interested residents not to be deterred by the strong numbers and pointed out other avenues where they could share their passion for the environment.
“There are a number of community groups within Mandurah,” she said.
Men of the Trees Peel Branch and Mandurah Tree Advocates were just two of the organisations she highlighted.
“Become involved. There are people out there that are willing to help if you don’t get in on this round of [the Waterwise Verge Program] don’t let that deter you,” Cr Knight said.
“There is lots of information out there and run with it.”
While the initiative is a boon fro the local government, it also has massive benefits for property owners.
Through the Waterwise Verge Incentive Scheme, Mandurah residents can apply for up to $500 worth of plant vouchers, mulch, everlasting seeds and Bunnings vouchers.
Other endorsed Waterwise councils include Vincent, Stirling and Victoria Park.
Water Corporation match 50 per cent of the council’s contribution per verge, up to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
The program also boasts training through dedicated educational workshops hosted by City of Mandurah and Water Corporation experts.
It has been anticipated residents could save up to 40,000 litres of water each year through the transformation.
For more information on the program visit the City of Mandurah website or for information on claiming funding through the scheme visit the Water Corporation’s website.
Those interested are urged to read the property guidelines on the local government’s website before expressing their interest.
Stay tuned to the Mandurah Mail over the next couple of weeks as we’ll bring you the remained of our Urban Greening series.
Have an opinion on the topic? Send the Mandurah Mail team a letter via editor.mandurahmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.
