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

                                                                                                       Noosa Shire Council
                                                                                    Guiding Principles for Tree Management
                 Regarding tree removal or pruning works, the policy states the following:
                 Council may agree to the following works if the risk presented outweighs the benefit:
                     «   Removal of trees that present an unacceptable hazard 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
                     e   Vegetation works to faciliate maintenance of services such as overhead lines and drainage
                         channels
                     e   Vegetation works to reduce unacceptable hazards to pedestrians or vehicular access
                     e   Pruning for vehicle sight lines, public signage 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
                     e«  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:
                     e   Removal of trees for a private property owner’s preference for no tree to be present
                     e   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
                     e   Removal 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
                     e   Removal of trees which are inhibiting grass growth, shading property shading solar panels or for
                         TV, radio or satellite reception
                     e   Removal of trees 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
                     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
                     e   Pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standard 4373:2007 Pruning of amenity trees
                     e   Pruning of trees for private and commercial signage
                     e   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.
                 The intent of the guiding principles is to support the policy into the delivery of outcomes for tree management.
                   4.0     Sources of Risk

                 Responding to risks requires ongoing and active risk management. The benefits of practising good risk
                 management are not limited to merely reducing liability exposure. However, the legal framework is a
                 significant driver for councils to manage tree-related risks in Queensland, with relevant rules, offences and
                 obligations arising from the common law as well as through legislation. There are a number of situations in
                 which Council may be liable under common law for injury, death, property damage and/or loss involving
                 trees.

                 Noosa Shire Council                                                                         3

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