Urban forests and trees are now recognised as essential urban infrastructure. They cool our city, boost biodiversity, and strengthen Perth’s unique sense of place. With most of Perth’s canopy sitting on residential land, the loss of trees on these trees remains the biggest driver of declining canopy cover. While new tree planting is important, protecting and retaining the trees we already have is still one of the most powerful ways to support a healthy, resilient urban forest.
As Perth population grows and responds to a housing crisis, integrating tree protection into new developments and infrastructure has never been more important. Urban planners and urban designers are uniquely placed to lead this shift. Building capacity and knowledge in applying AS 4970 Tree Protection on Development Sites (2025) will help deliver stronger, more consistent outcomes for tree retention across both public and private land.
This session brings together a highly experienced team who will share practical insights into AS 4970, local policy, and real-world examples of successful tree protection in Perth.
Participants will explore:
• the state of Perth’s urban forest, key development pressures, and a practical introduction to tree physiology
• how to identify apply AS 4970 to influence better outcomes
• local case studies showcasing effective tree protection methods and processes
The training is a positive, solutions focused session designed to empower urban planners and designers to shape a greener, cooler, more liveable Perth.
Suitable for:
Urban planners and urban designers and related disciplines including Local and State government and private sector employees in these areas. Anyone with an interest in promoting and working towards a creating a more liveable and resilient Perth that is greener, cooler and more biodiverse would benefit from attending the course.
Learning outcomes:
The training will be delivered via three webinar sessions over a 6-week period.
Webinar Session 1 — The big picture | Wednesday, 22 July
Focus: the state of Perth’s urban forest, key pressures on trees in development, and a practical intro to tree physiology — how trees function and what they need to survive.
You’ll learn:
• the state of the urban forest and key pressures on trees in development
• current overview of tree protection on private land
• tree function and growth, and the requirements for ongoing tree health
Webinar Session 2 — Tree protection essentials | Wednesday, 5 August
Focus: what to look for, how to apply AS4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites (2025), and how planners can influence better outcomes.
You’ll learn:
• what are the triggers for applying AS 4970?
• Describing the AS 4970 tree protection process and what planners need to know
• how can the standards be used to retain and protect trees on development sites
Webinar Session 3 — Real world examples | Wednesday, 19 August
Focus: local and national case studies showing effective tree protection approaches, opportunities, and precedents.
You’ll learn:
• explore local and national case studies showing effective tree protection approaches
• showcase tree protection strategies for local governments
Speakers
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Caine Holdsworth
Caine is an award-winning landscape architect and consulting arborist with a strong track record in delivering best-practice tree protection outcomes. He represented the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects on the Standards Australia committee updating AS4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites (2025), helping ensure the revised standard is clear, accessible, and aligned with contemporary tree retention practice. Caine’s current work includes design review support for the City of Vincent, strengthening tree protection and urban canopy outcomes in new developments. He brings extensive experience across urban forest strategies, street tree masterplans, tree protection policy and guidelines, and on-the-ground implementation—always with a focus on designing with trees in complex urban environments.
As an Adjunct Lecturer at AUDRC and Sessional Lecturer in UWA’s landscape architecture program, Caine also contributes to education and research, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to the next generation of designers and planners.
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Priscilla Hubbard
Priscilla is an experienced environmental professional who worked in the Western Australian resource sector for over 20 years. She graduated as Valedictorian from UWA’s School of Design in 2025 and was recognised nationally by Landscape Architecture Australia for her dissertation “Trees for Some: Understanding fairness and representation in Greater Perth’s private tree policy making”. Priscilla is currently supplementing her existing academic qualifications of a Bachelor of Science (Multidisciplinary Science), Honours (Environmental Science) and her recently completed Master of Landscape Architecture (Distinction) with the Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture at the University of Melbourne.
Concurrent to her studies, she has continued her associations with UWA as a tutor in Landscape and Urban Ecology and provides as required support to Grafted Studio. Her intended practice is to provide a bridge between science and landscape architecture to better inform design choices that support resilient, equitable urban canopies.
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Brad Bowden
Brad Bowden is a highly respected Perth-based conservation arborist and educator known for his technical knowledge, practical problem-solving, and evidence-based approach to tree management. With experience spanning projects of all scales across both public and private realms, he brings a balanced perspective that integrates tree health, risk management, and long-term tree resilience.
Brad is equally committed to education and building greater capacity and knowledge, sharing his knowledge in ways that build confidence, capability, and a stronger appreciation for Perth’s urban forest. He is a regular contributor at urban forest and arboriculture conferences, contributing to industry conversations, and helping people understand tree health, risk, and long-term care through clear, accessible communication. His efforts strengthen not only individual understanding but also the broader collective responsibility for protecting and enhancing Perth’s urban forest.
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Terms & Conditions
Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.
If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.
In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.
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