The City of Perth has been recognised among the world’s leading cities for urban greening, named a Highly Commended Finalist at the 2026 AIPH World Green City Awards.
Perth was the only Australian city to place in the top three in any of the award categories.
The City was Highly Commended in the Urban Infrastructure & Liveability Award, recognising the Urban Greening Strategy 2023–2036 and the City’s work to make Perth greener, cooler and more resilient.
The strategy brings together tree planting, more open space and water sensitive design to increase tree canopy, reduce heat and create more liveable and cooler streets.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the international recognition was a significant achievement for Perth.
“To have Perth recognised on the world stage for urban greening is a huge achievement and to be the only Australian city to finish in the top three in any category makes it even more special,” he said.
“This is an international recognition that Perth is doing something extraordinary. We’ve made a deliberate decision to bring more green into our city. More trees, more shade, more green spaces and smarter use of water.
“We’re a growing capital city in one of the sunniest parts of the world, so creating a cooler, greener and more liveable Perth isn’t just nice to have, it’s fundamental to the city we want to become.
“I’m incredibly proud of the City teams who are turning that ambition into reality. We’ve planted more trees and plants across the city over the past 18 months than at any other time in our recorded history, and we’re not slowing down.
“Perth is already one of the world’s great places to live, and we want it to become one of the world’s great green cities.
The Urban Greening Strategy was adopted in 2023 and has seen the City deliver a range of initiatives, including:
- expanding tree canopy through the Urban Forest Infill Program across streets, parks and public spaces
- delivering community greening initiatives such as Tree Month and National Tree Day
- investing in new green infrastructure, including pocket parks
- showcasing Western Australian flora in malls and high-profile public locations
- reimagining road reserves to create biodiversity corridors that enhance habitat and support the natural movement of fauna.
The City is also managing its urban forest to protect tree health and build resilience to threats including Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer and the impacts of climate change.
Together, these initiatives are helping create a greener, cooler and more liveable Perth while supporting biodiversity and long-term environmental sustainability.
In the Living Green for Urban Infrastructure & Liveability Award category, Sheffield U.K. took the award, and the City of Perth and Vitacura Chile were both recognised as Highly Commended finalists.
