2022-08-09 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   9 AUGUST 2022




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                    9 AUGUST 2022

              TREE MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC LAND POLICY

              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 and provide social, cultural, economic and
              environmental benefits. They shade parks and streets, 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.
              The Guiding Principles for Tree Management in Noosa Shire is an operational document which
              supports this Policy. It further clarifies the specific responsibilities and operational details for tree
              management on public land, as well as the principles for decision making around the aspects of tree
              management. The fundamental principle around removal of a tree is if it is deemed dead, dying or
              dangerous, and if other reasons apply, a matrix is used to determine the outcome. This provides a
              high level of rigour and consistency to tree management decisions.

              POLICY OBJECTIVES

              This Policy is underpinned by the following objectives:
              ue    Trees are valuable assets and will be managed accordingly
              2.    Council will maintain a consistent and best practice approach to assessing and decision
                    making relative to the risks and benefits posed by trees in accordance with defined criteria as
                    outlined in the Guiding Principles for Tree Management in Noosa Shire
              3.    Council will maintain a commitment to the sustainable management 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 will arrange an
                    offset planting in a suitable location
              6.    Council will provide a consistent response to resident requests for tree maintenance, planting
                    and removal
              7.    Acknowledge, maintain and protect trees that have cultural, environmental, or landscape
                    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 a tree/s 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.
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