2018-06-12 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   12 JUNE 2018




                                                   Page 52 of 118

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                   12 JUNE 2018

           COUNCIL POLICY - TREE MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC LAND

           POLICY BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

           Trees on public land are fundamental to the character of Noosa Shire. Noosa’s natural green
           environment characterises the Noosa Council vision - ‘different by nature’. Trees form the aesthetic and
           ecological framework for this environment. They also shade parks, cool and soften buildings, enhance
           streetscape amenity and provide habitat and food for wildlife. As such, trees have a significant value to
           Noosa Council and the community.
           Trees in urban areas have a cooling effect that may significantly reduce energy consumption in
           summer. Trees can prevent soil erosion, filter wind, reduce noise and air pollutants, store carbon and
           produce oxygen. They also screen built form and ensure that buildings are blended into the natural
           landscape. This upholds the “Noosa Look and Feel” as outlined in the Noosa Design Principles which
           have been developed by Council and the community of Noosa.
           This Policy ensures that trees on public land are managed in a.consistent, transparent and sustainable
           manner, in accordance with all relevant legislation and are recognised and treated as valuable assets.
           It also recognises that tree management in urban areas requires a balanced approach to risk
           management whilst maximising benefits to the community.
           POLICY OBJECTIVES

           This Policy is underpinned by the following objectives:
           1.    Trees are valuable assets and will.be managed accordingly
           2.    Council will maintain a consistent approach to assessing, risks and benefits posed by trees in
                 accordance with defined criteria

           3.    Council will maintain.a commitment to the sustainableymanagement of trees on public land and
                 also the greening of open spaces
           4.    Trees on public land will. be proactively maintained where possible in a manner that is consistent
                 with relevant Australian Standards to.ensure the identification and minimisation of risk
           5. | Where it is unavoidable that trees are to be removed from public land, Council may consider an
                 offset planting
           6.    Council will provide a consistent response to resident requests for tree maintenance, planting and
                 removal
           7. | Acknowledgement that certain trees may be trees of importance having particular cultural,
                 environmental, landscape or other significance
           8.    Trees on public land will be protected, as far as possible, from damage during any construction
                 activities
           9. | Unauthorised interference with trees on Council land is prohibited and will be managed in
                 accordance with local laws and relevant legislation.
           DEALING WITH REQUESTS FOR TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL
           Council regularly receives requests to remove part or all of trees on land under its control. Decisions as
           to whether to act on these requests will be made by Council's qualified staff and/or consultant arborists.
           Trees will only be removed or pruned after consideration of potential risks and benefits.

           Noosa Council                                                                        Page 2 of 4

                                                                                                  Page 52 of 118