A push to fully restore the canopy devastated by a severe storm in the Perth suburb of Bayswater last December has been formally rejected by city administrators.
Motion for Like-for-Like Replacement Denied
Newly elected Councillor Cale Black had put forward a formal motion calling for the City of Bayswater's Chief Executive Officer to replace trees destroyed in the December 14, 2025 storm. His proposal sought a "like-for-like" restoration, matching species and location, which would be in addition to the council's standard annual planting schedule.
The motion was a direct response to the significant damage caused by the weather event, which is estimated to have damaged or destroyed approximately 110 mature trees. Reports confirmed Bayswater was among the suburbs hardest hit, suffering noticeable visual and canopy loss in several prominent areas.
Existing Programs Deemed Sufficient
In their recommendation to reject the extra planting program, city officers pointed to the existing Urban Forest Implementation Plan. This established strategy already targets the planting of 2,961 trees each year across the city's streets and reserves.
Officers stated that the plan routinely allocates around 700 trees annually for replacements, covering losses from storms, natural decline, infrastructure projects, or failed plantings. They acknowledged the December storm's damage was concentrated and exceeded a typical year's planned replacements but maintained the existing framework was adequate.
"The city will continue to replace trees in accordance with its established processes, and will endeavour, where practicable, to replace storm-affected trees on a like-for-like basis and in the same locations as those lost," the officers' report stated.
Clean-Up Continues as Planting Planned for Winter 2026
Clean-up operations following the storm are ongoing, with contractors using a risk-based method to prioritise public safety. The purchase of necessary replacement trees will fall within the 2025/26 financial year budget.
Where an exact like-for-like replacement isn't possible due to site constraints, underground services, or species availability, officers said appropriate alternative species would be chosen and planted as close as possible to the original site. The actual planting is anticipated to occur during the 2026 winter planting season.
The final decision on Councillor Black's motion will be made by the full council at its meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026.
