Perth’s new suburbs become heat islands as planning rules permit tree removal

In Perth’s expanding fringe, developers are removing nearly all existing trees from new greenfield estates, leaving as much as 98% of the area without canopy and driving up local temperatures. Sarah Allchurch, chair of WA Tree Canopy Advocates, warns that the practice creates urban heat islands, forcing residents to rely on costly air-conditioning and exposing them to health risks. She notes that seedlings planted after clearing provide little immediate shade, as mature trees take 30-60 years to deliver significant cooling.

The state government cites revised residential codes, an Urban Greening Strategy, and the $10 million Let’s Grow program as steps toward a 30% canopy goal, but critics say the target is unenforced. The Urban Developer Institute of WA acknowledges that dense housing and affordability pressures limit space for large trees and increase compliance costs, emphasizing the need to balance greenery with development objectives.