In 2017, RMIT and CAUL Hub researchers published a report called Where Should All The Trees Go?. This report compared canopy levels, overlaid with urban heat and socio-economic (SEIFA) data, to provided an overall vulnerability indicator. The report took those findings and showed how each state rated in either their vulnerability to losing green space, or their success in creating more green space. 

Here's how WA rated. 

key statistics

2011*

2016

outcomes
Tree Canopy Cover This means the amount of shade that is created by trees. 

22.27%

19.95%

2.32% Loss
Shrub Cover  Landscaped vegetation as well as bushland, shrubs, crops and grapevines.

8.73%

7.63%

1.1% Loss
Grass Cover Cleared road sides, lawns, pastures, sites cleared for development and sporting grounds.

29.87%

31.19%

1.32% Gain
Hard Surface Asphalt, buildings, car parks, footpaths, sandy beaches, train lines, rocky coastlines and water.

39.13%

41.22%

2.09% Increase

On the heat vulnerability index, WA is relatively less vulnerable

GAINS OR LOSSES OF CANOPY COVER IN WA LGAS BETWEEN 2011 AND 2016

HERE’S HOW COUNCILS WITHIN WA RATE WHEN IT COMES TO VULNERABILITY TO HEAT

want to know more?

Download the report
Download the National Report
Download the RMIT Report

See how your state rates