2015-03-31 Infrastructure and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                31 MARCH 2015


Trees may be trimmed or removed where their roots represent a trip hazard to the public. Trees
may also be removed where their roots are known to cause interference with underground
infrastructure.

Trees may be removed for emergency access or work that is immediately required in response to
an emergency.
Where a tree will need to be removed, Council may choose to plant a new tree nearby and wait
until that new tree is established before removing the offending tree.

Special consideration will be given to trees that are classed as threatened, near threatened or
endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Council will adopt a ‘good neighbour’ approach to managing trees near property boundaries by
undertaking tree maintenance works that address genuine nuisance to the adjacent property
owner.

REPLACEMENT TREES AND OFFSETS

Where appropriate, Council will seek to replace trees that are removed with either more
appropriate trees or else equivalent trees in a more appropriate location.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This Policy applies to all Council Officers dealing with the management of trees on Council
controlled public land. Council’s associated Tree Management on Public Land Guideline will
further clarify the specific responsibilities and operational details for Tree Management on
Council Controlled Public Land.

Manager Civil Operations is responsible for developing and maintaining the abovementioned
guideline in consultation with Councillors and staff.


DEFINITIONS
Declared pest plant    plants of a species that have, or could have serious economic,
                       environmental or social impacts and targeted for control under the Land
                       Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.
Hazard                 a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or
                       ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a
                       combination of these.

Interference (in relation to trees or vegetation)
                       to engage in any activity damaging or leading to the death, disfigurement
                       or mutilation of vegetation (as per Local Law No. 4)

Native Vegetation      In relation to this policy native vegetation is considered to be any local
                       indigenous plant growing in its natural state whether self-sown or planted,
                       but not including formal landscaped gardens and areas.

Offset                 planting undertaken to counterbalance the impact caused by a loss of
                       tree/s or vegetation from a particular location and/or the landscape.
Nuisance               an unreasonable interference with another person’s right to the use and
                       enjoyment of their property.



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