Tree Management Policy | Draft

Share Tree Management Policy | Draft on Facebook Share Tree Management Policy | Draft on X (formerly Twitter) Share Tree Management Policy | Draft on Linkedin Email Tree Management Policy | Draft link

Consultation has concluded

Revised Tree Management Policy Endorsed

Following extensive community consultation with Council Members and the community, the revised Tree Management Policy was adopted by Council on 6 July 2026.

Trees are a vital part of our district's identity, contributing to the health, wellbeing, and liveability of our communities. Our aim is to continue to protect, manage, and grow our urban forest for future generations.

Background

In 2017, Council endorsed a new policy known as the Urban Forest Policy. The Policy underwent a review in 2021 and was subsequently broadened to cover all trees in the district to manage and protect what we have as well as support planning for the future. At this time, the policy was also renamed to the Tree Management Policy. 

The Policy was reviewed in 2025 and into 2026. Community consultation on the updated Tree Management Policy was held from 8 April to 6 May 2026.

A revised Policy incorporating consultation feedback where appropriate, was presented to Council for adoption at their meeting on 6 July 2026. The following is an exert from the Council meeting minutes:

That Council:

  1. Notes the consultation submissions provided by the community on the draft Tree Management Policy as shown in attachment 1;
  2. Notes the summary of amendments undertaken to the draft Tree Management Policy as shown in attachment 2; and
  3. Adopts the draft Tree Management Policy as show in attachment 3 with the following change at 5.2.2 remove 'restore the sense of Country' as well as with the following amendments:
  • Amendment to Removal and Replacement, 5.4.3 to read:

Ensure a ten (10) for one (1) replacement procedure of removed public trees is followed, with a species that is where possible native in fitting with the local area and planted as close as possible to where the loss has occurred with further details explained in the Tree Management Procedure

  • Amendment to Applicable Legislation and Related Documents as follows:

Remove 'Environmental Strategy 2018-2023' and replaced with 'Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2035'.

Carried
OM20267.15

Revised Tree Management Policy Endorsed

Following extensive community consultation with Council Members and the community, the revised Tree Management Policy was adopted by Council on 6 July 2026.

Trees are a vital part of our district's identity, contributing to the health, wellbeing, and liveability of our communities. Our aim is to continue to protect, manage, and grow our urban forest for future generations.

Background

In 2017, Council endorsed a new policy known as the Urban Forest Policy. The Policy underwent a review in 2021 and was subsequently broadened to cover all trees in the district to manage and protect what we have as well as support planning for the future. At this time, the policy was also renamed to the Tree Management Policy. 

The Policy was reviewed in 2025 and into 2026. Community consultation on the updated Tree Management Policy was held from 8 April to 6 May 2026.

A revised Policy incorporating consultation feedback where appropriate, was presented to Council for adoption at their meeting on 6 July 2026. The following is an exert from the Council meeting minutes:

That Council:

  1. Notes the consultation submissions provided by the community on the draft Tree Management Policy as shown in attachment 1;
  2. Notes the summary of amendments undertaken to the draft Tree Management Policy as shown in attachment 2; and
  3. Adopts the draft Tree Management Policy as show in attachment 3 with the following change at 5.2.2 remove 'restore the sense of Country' as well as with the following amendments:
  • Amendment to Removal and Replacement, 5.4.3 to read:

Ensure a ten (10) for one (1) replacement procedure of removed public trees is followed, with a species that is where possible native in fitting with the local area and planted as close as possible to where the loss has occurred with further details explained in the Tree Management Procedure

  • Amendment to Applicable Legislation and Related Documents as follows:

Remove 'Environmental Strategy 2018-2023' and replaced with 'Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2035'.

Carried
OM20267.15