Many people choose to live within the Shire to enjoy the natural environment and wildlife.  

To preserve the landscape and biodiversity for current and future residents to enjoy, there are rules protecting creeklines, native vegetation, and habitat trees under the Shire's Local Planning Scheme.  

Native vegetation

Native vegetation is any plant that is indigenous to the local area and includes trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.

The Jarrah-Marri Forest is the main type of native vegetation within the Shire of Mundaring and is part of an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot - many of our plants (and animals) do not occur anywhere else in the world.

Vegetation types within the Shire vary according to soil, slope and aspect. Some of the vegetation is unique to the Darling Scarp and includes open woodlands of wandoo, marri, jarrah and yarri, sheoak, banksias and flooded gum in localized areas. There are also a great variety of specialised understorey shrubs and groundcovers.  

The Darling Range contains some rare and endangered plant species. As a result of this, important areas of vegetation are included in State, regional and local parks and reserves within the Shire of Mundaring.

Why native vegetation is important

Native vegetation:

  • Provides food and shelter for native animals
  • Provides habitat for animals to raise their young (such as logs and hollows)
  • Provides shade and moderates our local climate
  • Roots soils to prevent erosion
  • Filters surface water runoff to keep our water sources clean
  • Provides landscape amenity, character and natural beauty
  • Prevents soil salinity and spread of dieback
  • Provides visual screening and privacy
  • Reduces weed invasion.

Identifying local flora

A great resource for identifying local flora in the Shire is the Darlington and Surrounds Local Flora and Bushland book (available below and from libraries or the Administration Centre). 

The Shire has also developed a booklet Landscape and Revegetation Guidelines to assist residents, developers and landscape architects to prepare and implement landscape and revegetation plans (available below and from libraries or the Administration Centre). 

Native Grasses are also an important part of vegetation ecology and can be identified using both the Wetlands Grasses Poster and the Common Native Grasses Poster.

Darlington and Surrounds Local Flora and Bushland (PDF)

Landscape and Revegetation Guidelines (PDF)

Wetlands Grasses Poster (PDF)

Common Native Grasses Poster (PDF)

Wildflower Spotto (PDF)

Habitat trees

A habitat tree is a native tree, dead or alive, with a hollow or substantial trunk diameter.

Trees with a diameter over 30-50cm may be protected under state and federal legislation, as habitat for threatened species such as black cockatoos. 

Where there are many potential habitat trees on a site, the Shire prioritises the mapping and protection of trees with a diameter of 80cm or greater.

Our Environment Team's video production 'Habitat Trees and Hollow Homes' contains a wealth of knowledge about these awe-inspiring natural assets. Featuring environmental filmmaker and scientist Simon Cherriman, learn about the massive impact these old trees have on preserving the ecological balance of our natural habitats.

Weed identification and control

Weeds are introduced plants that can have negative impacts on natural environments, bushfire fuel loads and amenity.

Weed control is a shared responsibility across landowners and managers, including the Shire of Mundaring.

Find out about identifying and controlling weeds on your land.

Clearing or developing land

Shire approval is required if you want to remove any native vegetation on your property, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. However, there are specific exemptions for certain types of work (e.g. installing perimeter firebreaks to comply with bushfire requirements) or for smaller lots, where retaining bushland is not practical. 

Find out about approvals required for clearing or developing land.

More information and contact

For more information, please contact the Shire’s Environmental Team on (08) 9290 6651 or email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au.