How do I get free plants from my council in Australia?

Most Australian councils offer free native plants, trees, or seedlings to ratepayers. The number varies from 2 to 20 plants per household per year depending on your council. You typically need your current rates notice as proof of residency. Check your state page on this site for the specific programs in your area.

What is the WA Treebate?

The WA Government Treebate gives any Western Australian resident aged 18+ a $150 rebate when they buy and plant a WA-native tree that reaches at least 3 metres canopy at maturity. Claim via the ServiceWA app after purchasing from any WA nursery. The program runs until 2029 with 10,000 rebates available per year.

Can I get a free compost bin or worm farm from my council?

Many Australian councils subsidise compost bins and worm farms through programs like Compost Revolution. Discounts range from 40% to 80% off depending on your council. Enter your address at compostrevolution.com.au to check eligibility. Some councils like Brisbane offer direct rebates of up to $100 on composting equipment.

Are there free garden programs for renters?

Some councils extend free plant programs to renters with proof of address. Ipswich City Council in Queensland is one example, accepting a landlord's rates notice copy, public housing rental statement, or a licence showing current address. Statewide programs like the WA Treebate are open to any resident regardless of property ownership.

Free Plants, Rebates and Garden Freebies Across Australia

Your rates pay for this stuff. Free plants, compost rebates, water tank subsidies and more from councils and state governments. Pick your region to see what you can claim.

Programs verified June 2026

Select your Planting Season region

We'll take you to the right state page with every council program and state rebate listed.

South East Queensland

Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Noosa

Free Plants Rebates

North Queensland

Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Whitsunday

Free Plants Rebates

Northern Rivers NSW

Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed

Free Plants Tank Rebates

Sydney & Coastal NSW

City of Sydney, Randwick, Sutherland, Northern Beaches, Wollongong

Free Plants Rebates

Melbourne & Victoria

Casey, Stonnington, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula, Merri-bek, Yarra Ranges

Free Plants Gardens for Wildlife

Adelaide & SA

Adelaide, Burnside, Port Adelaide Enfield, Marion, Charles Sturt, Onkaparinga

Tree Rebates Free Plants

Perth & WA

Stirling, Joondalup, Cockburn + WA $150 Treebate

$150 Treebate Free Plants

Tasmania

City of Hobart free plants, urban greening grants, Landcare grants

Free Plants Grants

Canberra & ACT

Canberra Tree Week giveaway, community garden grants, free green waste

Free Trees Grants

Darwin & Top End

80,000+ free plants since 2021, compost rebate, Gardens for Wildlife

Free Plants Rebates

What councils and state governments give gardeners for free

Free Plants and Trees

Common

Most councils give ratepayers between 2 and 20 free native plants per household per financial year. Bring your rates notice to a council nursery or collection event.

Compost Bin Subsidies

Common

Many councils partner with Compost Revolution to offer 40-80% off compost bins, worm farms and bokashi systems. Check compostrevolution.com.au with your address.

Water Tank Rebates

Select areas

Several councils and state programs offer $500 to $5,000 back on rainwater tanks connected to household plumbing. SA and WA have the strongest programs.

Community Garden Grants

Apply

State and territory governments fund community garden projects. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Schools, not-for-profits and community groups can apply.

Free Mulch

Select councils

Some councils offer free garden mulch from green waste processing. Available year-round at select depots in WA, VIC and QLD.

Garden Assessments

Free

Gardens for Wildlife runs free garden assessment visits by trained volunteers in VIC and NT. Members receive native planting advice, starter packs and plant vouchers.

Entitlements reset every July

Get the updated list (and what to plant with your free haul) once a year when programs refresh.

Got your free plants? Now plan your garden.

See exactly what to plant this month in your region with the free Planting Season calendar.

View your planting calendar →