Outcome

This indicator shows the amount of land set aside for parks, forest and recreational use and how it has not greatly reduced through population growth. This means that the community's enjoyment of the environment has not been adversely impacted by urban sprawl.

Through the Department's activities, areas of Perth have been set aside for state forests, parks and recreation purposes. Perth’s boundary extends north to the City of Wanneroo, south to the City of Rockingham and east to the Shire of Mundaring.

• State forests protect biodiversity and provide habitat for Western Australia's unique flora and fauna. Bushland areas have unique value in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and acting to reduce the greenhouse effect.
• Forest areas and other reserves are strategically placed as water catchment areas. Water sustains human lifeand is an important resource for economic activities, including tourism, farming and many other commercial endeavours.
• Recreation and open space areas have great social value, facilitating sporting and other recreational activities and contributes to the livability of suburbs.

The above measure demonstrates that through the Department's activities significant areas of Perth have been set aside for parks, recreation reserves and state forests and the proportion per person is being maintained at a high level.

Figures have been sourced from internal departmental spatial information systems and from ABS publication 3101.0.