Katrina Stratton, MLA for Nedlands, addressed our Club this time, and the topic was all about the tree canopies in Nedlands and the steps that have been taken to protect them. The Nedlands Council area covers five suburbs in full or in part, and a survey conducted in the area generated a very large response, with most people wanting to protect and expand the tree canopies so that the benefits become more widespread. A tree advocacy group was established some time ago, and this concept has been embraced in many other council areas, so much so that the West Australian Tree Canopy Advocates (WATCA) was set up as a peak body to help persuade the State Government to expand tree canopies significantly so that heat is reduced and a more pleasant environment is created for local fauna and flora as well as residents. The canopy as a whole includes verges, parks, golf courses and other public open spaces, but WA hasn’t had a “significant tree” register. However, the Government has recently adopted a code which includes new requirements around the retention and expansion of the tree canopy. Existing native plant subsidies help to encourage people to plant and care for native trees, and the trend towards underground power is also a major factor in protecting trees. Steps are being taken to set targets for urban greening. New housing developments and high-rise buildings should be required to preserve existing trees and to plant new ones, but dangerous trees should be avoided. There is a complex interaction between tree canopies and matters such as road safety issues and owners’ rights, but Perth is well behind other capital cities when it comes to its % of tree cover.