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

               Trees will only be removed or pruned after consideration of potential risks and benefits.

              Council may agree to the following works if the risk presented outweighs the benefit:
               e     Removal of trees that present an unacceptable hazard (i.e. dangerous) and there is no practical
                    arboricultural intervention to effectively reduce the risk
               e     Removal and replacement of dead, dying, severely declining or poorly performing trees to
                    reinvigorate the urban forest
               e     Removal of trees in conflict with utilities and built structures where all design and
                    engineering alternative solutions have been considered
               e    Maintenance pruning to remove dead, dying, dangerous, diseased or defective branches
               e    Selective pruning to remove branches causing conflict i.e. encroachment onto buildings
               °    Vegetation works for service lines
               °    Vegetation works to reduce unacceptable hazards to pedestrians or vehicular access
               °    Vegetation works in roadside management zones, such as for vehicle sight lines and heights,
                    public signage, drainage channels and the requirements of the Department of Transport and
                    Main Roads
               e     Root pruning of trees to ameliorate damage to built structures, or to remove trip hazards
               °    Minimal vegetation works to trees that are identified as providing habitat to specific species.
                    Council will remove the minimum amount determined to make it safe, whilst still retaining
                    habitat value (e.g. leaving a hollow stump for nesting birds).

               Council will not undertake the following works:
               °    Removal of trees for a private property owner’s personal preference for no tree to be present
               °     Removal or pruning of trees to benefit private views
               e     Removal of healthy and stable trees that do not present an unacceptable risk
               e     Removal of trees to facilitate private construction works including fences
               °     Removal or pruning of trees for leaf, flower, fruit, minor branch or sap drop, termites or animal
                    faeces.
               °     If a tree has a history of large branch failures then the tree will be assessed and the appropriate
                    arboricultural intervention undertaken to mitigate the risk
               °     Removal or pruning of trees which are inhibiting grass growth, shading property, shading solar
                    panels or for TV, radio, or satellite reception
               °     Removal of trees or roots which are claimed to be damaging water, sewage pipes or private
                    property, unless credible evidence is provided that indicates that tree roots are the cause of
                    the damage (evidence will involve video or photos from licenced professionals and at
                    property owners expense)
               e     Removal of trees which are claimed to be the primary cause of an allergic or health response
                    unless supported by medical certification that directly links the allergic reaction to that
                    species of tree
               °     Pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standard 4373:2007 Pruning of amenity trees
               e     Pruning of trees for private and commercial signage
               °    Vegetation works that will cause the tree to decline or die.

               In mitigating circumstances, Council may grant permission for non-essential tree works to be
               undertaken at the cost of the applicant. This will involve a tree permit application and using Council's
               approved contractors.
               Trees may be removed for emergency access or work that is immediately required in response to an
               emergency event.
               Special consideration will be given to trees that are classed as threatened, near threatened or
               endangered under the Nature Conservation Act (1992) or those that provide significant habitat for
               rare and threatened species.
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