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Reducing groundwater use by establishing a waterwise urban forest and improving the habitat for birds and other species, as well as increasing native vegetation, are also objectives of the project.

The project is supported by WA Government funding of $1.8 million and a $200,000 contribution from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchment Program towards the total cost.

State funding includes:

• $1 million via the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)
• $600,000 from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation via the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program
• $233,147 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), $150,000 via the Community Rivercare Program and $83,147 via the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest Program.

The City of Bayswater will manage the project in partnership with Emerge Associates and Greening Australia who developed the original concept plan. Extensive community consultation was undertaken on both the original and final plans.

Stage one of the urban forest development will be established on four hectares of open grassland on the eastern side of the parkland, between Memorial Drive and the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, extending north to King William Street. Another two hectares will be developed during stage two of the project.

When complete, the urban forest development at Riverside Gardens will feature:

• large trees, smaller vegetation, landscaping and turf
• new concrete and limestone paths and trails
• sheltered picnic tables and benches
• arrival and educational signage
• drink fountains, a bird waterer, bird/bat boxes and turtle hides.

Both stages of work on the Riverside Gardens Urban Forest project are expected to be completed in 2026.