Perth Memorial Tree Program - City Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents and organisations can request a memorial tree on public land subject to City of Perth rules and park management policies. This guide explains typical eligibility, how to apply, who manages plantings, maintenance responsibilities and what to expect from enforcement and appeals under local bylaws and council policies. Where specific fine amounts or form names are not published on the cited council pages we note that explicitly and point to the enforcing office for confirmation.

Who manages memorial trees

The City of Perth parks and open-space team administers tree requests and memorial plantings on council-managed parks and reserves. Applications and enquiries are handled by the parks or recreation branch, with oversight from the council’s infrastructure or environment unit. For official program details and application guidance see the City of Perth memorial tree information page Memorial tree program[1].

Eligibility and common conditions

  • Eligible applicants: individuals, families, community groups or organisations permitted by council.
  • Location restrictions: only in designated parks or streets where planting will not conflict with utilities or conservation zones.
  • Species choice: subject to council-approved species lists and site suitability assessments.
  • Maintenance: council usually assumes routine maintenance for the tree; applicants may be asked to contribute for plaques or additional works.
Ask the parks officer for a site assessment before applying.

Penalties & Enforcement

The council enforces park and planting rules through its bylaw and public-space management framework. Where the City of Perth publishes penalties or compliance procedures they appear on program or enforcement pages; where specific fine amounts or escalation steps are not set out on the cited council pages we state "not specified on the cited page" and refer to the enforcing office for confirmation.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; applicants should contact the parks team for current fee schedules.
  • Escalation: first notice, formal infringement and court action are typical steps but specific escalation timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorised plantings, remediation directions, and recovery of council costs are possible under council powers.
  • Enforcer and inspections: the City of Perth parks officers, ranger services or compliance officers carry out inspections and respond to complaints; contact details are on the council contact pages Parks & Recreation contact[2].
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes are usually via council review or local government tribunal processes; specific time limits for lodging appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the council.
  • Defences/discretion: council policies may allow discretion for memorials authorised by permit or council resolution; acting with prior written approval is the primary defence to enforcement action.
Unauthorised plantings may be removed without notice if they threaten public safety or infrastructure.

Applications & Forms

The council offers an application form or online request process for memorial trees where published; if a named form or fee is not visible on the memorial program page the council’s parks contact will advise the current form name, fee and submission method. Fees and deadlines are not specified on the cited memorial page and must be confirmed with the parks team.

How to apply

Typical steps to apply for a memorial tree with the City of Perth are provided below; confirm details with the parks officer before submitting.

  • Step 1: Request pre-application site advice from the parks team to confirm eligibility and species suitability.
  • Step 2: Complete the council memorial tree application form (or online request) and attach any required documentation such as location map and applicant contact details.
  • Step 3: Pay any application or plaque fees if applicable; the council will confirm fees on submission.
  • Step 4: Await site assessment and council approval; approvals may include conditions on maintenance or plaque wording.
Approval times vary; ask the parks team for an estimated timeframe when you apply.

FAQ

Who can apply for a memorial tree?
Individuals, families, community groups and eligible organisations may apply, subject to council site and species rules.
Can I install a plaque with the tree?
Plaques may be permitted where they meet council standards; fees or restrictions apply and are set by the council or in the memorial policy.
What if my memorial tree is damaged?
Contact the City of Perth parks or compliance team for assessment; removal or replacement is managed according to council policy and site safety needs.

How-To

  1. Contact the City of Perth parks team for a site suitability check.
  2. Obtain and complete the memorial tree application form or online request.
  3. Provide location details, preferred species and any supporting documents.
  4. Pay applicable fees if required and submit the application to the parks office.
  5. Follow council conditions on planting, plaques and maintenance once approved.

Key Takeaways

  • Always seek pre-application advice to avoid refused requests.
  • Contact the parks team for current forms, fees and timelines before paying any costs.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Memorial tree program
  2. [2] City of Perth - Parks & Recreation contact

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