Josh Byrne - SGA Patron

SGA caught up with Patron, Josh Byrne to chat about his journey into a career in sustainable gardening. Growing up on the stunning Esperance coast in Western Australia, Josh developed a passion for the natural world early on. He had his own veggie patch, cared for his dad’s extensive herb collection, and was committed to gardening without herbicides or pesticides from the start.

That dedication shaped his education—Josh chose subjects in high school that deepened his understanding of nature and later pursued studies at Murdoch University, focusing on how the built environment could work in harmony with the natural world.

Developing a career pathway

Josh ran a part-time gardening round while he was a student, developing his understanding of sustainable gardening with a focus on water conservation and Perth’s sandy soils.

While studying environmental science at Murdoch University, he and his housemates transformed their rental’s garden, embracing permaculture principles and the role of good design in sustainability. This led to his involvement in a research group working on environmental technologies for regional and remote areas.

Josh first appeared as a guest presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia nearly 20 years ago, showcasing his student garden. This led to an invitation to become the show’s Western Australian presenter, which he initially declined to pursue overseas travel, including volunteering on a permaculture project in Africa and learning advanced irrigation techniques on a kibbutz in Israel.

After returning to Perth, he took on the presenter role, demonstrating practical, water-efficient gardening to a national audience. Josh is also a regular contributor to Gardening Australia Magazine and the author of two best-selling books, The Green Gardener and Small Space Organics.

Working for sustainability and community engagement

Josh saw an opportunity to create productive, attractive gardens while educating others on how to get involved. He founded Josh Byrne & Associates, which delivers projects for sustainable communities, integrating landscape architecture, environmental engineering, sustainability, and community engagement.

Josh was awarded a PhD from Murdoch University and is a Research Fellow at Curtin University’s Sustainability Policy Institute and the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Low Carbon Living. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales, focusing on high-performance housing, water-sensitive design, and sustainable urban developments.

Consulting for West Australian state agencies, Josh advises on urban water management, environmental technology, and sustainable design. Through the Density by Design platform, he explores innovative, affordable urban sustainability solutions, showcasing leading projects that inspire smarter, greener cities.

In addition to design and development, hands-on gardening remains a key focus for Josh, along with community consultation and involvement. One of his key interests is the responsible use of garden nutrients. In collaboration with the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ River Guardians program and Water Corporation’s Waterwise program, he developed workshops to help Perth residents create successful gardens while protecting the Swan and Canning Rivers. This initiative included an online assessment tool designed to empower residents with knowledge and practical solutions.

Josh’s work highlights how gardeners and communities can influence councils and governments to create sustainable shared spaces, reduce water use, recycle waste, and use energy more efficiently. While environmental challenges can seem overwhelming, Josh believes that small, everyday actions in our own gardens and neighborhoods can be part of the solution.

He has received the Australian Water Association’s WA Water Professional of the Year Award and Murdoch University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Science and Engineering. Josh is also Patron of the Conservation Council of WA and Sustainable Gardening Australia, an Advocate for the 202020 Vision urban greening initiative, and an Ambassador for Living Smart and Nature Play WA.