Wandju (welcome) to the season of Djeran (Apr & May). This is a time of red flowers, so keep an eye out for the red 'rust' and seed cones forming on the male and female Sheoaks. Soon the weather will start to cool, and the winds will swing around to the southwest marking the beginning of the season of adulthood. 

A key sign of the change in season is the return of cool nights and dewy mornings. It's a great time to be outdoors, why not get back into the garden with our Native Plant Subsidy or come along for a ride on the Bibra Lake Tree Trail as part of the WA Tree Festival.

Source: Bureau of Meteorology and Derbal Nara. 

 

Native plants provide natural food sources and shelter for native animals. They're also water wise and can help cool your home naturally.

City of Cockburn residents can purchase up to 20 native plants at a subsidised price (50% discount) at APACE Native Nursery in North Fremantle from 1-31 May or until stock runs out.  

More than 40% of household water use is outside the home, so our gardens are a great place to make water savings. But how do you create an attractive garden that’s still waterwise?

To celebrate the City’s 2023 Waterwise Verge Rebate Program opening, come and learn more about creating your waterwise garden at these events: 

• Pop-up waterwise garden and verge display (15-22 May) outside Spearwood Library
• Waterwise Garden and Verge Workshops (Thursday 18 May and Saturday 20 May)
• There will be prizes at the workshops and everyone who registers gets a free plant.

To celebrate Earth Day, the City is hosting Rob Gully from home eco audit business Green Services. With 25 years’ experience, Rob will share simple ways to reduce your home’s electricity, water and gas use, assisting you to have a more sustainable home and reduce your utility bills. Topics include:

• Understanding your utility bills and meters – please bring an electricity, gas and water bill.
• Tips on ‘passive’ heating and cooling
• Adding solar PV to your home
• Waterwise gardening.

All the latest news from Cockburn on everything climate change, environment, sustainability, waste and recycling. 

Over 40 Councils embrace clean energy - Last year Cities Power Partnership (CPP) brought together over 40 councils to discuss opportunities for local government to capitalise on the benefits of the state’s emerging clean economy. City of Cockburn is one of 29 in WA that is both a member of CPP and part of the joint renewable energy agreement negotiated by WALGA. 

Carpark features wildlife habitat landscaping - A new 199-lot carpark built by the City of Cockburn in Cockburn Central has incorporated habitat landscaping to create ecological linkage options for local wildlife.

Fish diversity study reveals thriving sea life at Port Coogee Marina - It’s a veritable octopus's garden down at Port Coogee Marina where a recent fish diversity study revealed 71 finfish species, including 13 not previously recorded.

Little Green Steps take a big step - The approved learning frameworks for early childhood education services have just been approved and made available. A number of early years networks have been advocating for this for almost 2 years, including Little Green Steps WA (AAEE WA), who we support right here in Cockburn.