WA Local Government Association (WALGA)’s Post

Local Governments taking the lead to protect mature trees on private land 🌲Urban areas of Westen Australia losing trees on private land faster than they can be replaced 🌲New WALGA model to provide consistency on tree retention policy for decision-makers, proponents and communities 🌲Model gives a clear definition of a mature or ‘regulated tree’ 🌲Perth has the lowest tree canopy cover of any Australian capital city, at just 16% WALGA has released a new Model Local Planning Policy (LPP) to support Local Governments to stem the loss in tree canopy cover in urban areas across Western Australia. Councils can adopt the Model Local Planning Policy (LPP) Tree Retention, which will clarify whether tree removal (or other tree damaging activity) is works that requires development approval. WALGA State President Karen Chappel reinforced the important role the new model policy will play in stemming the loss in tree canopy cover. “Local Governments have been at the forefront in addressing the loss in canopy cover through tree planting on verges, parks and other public areas, with support from the State Government through the Urban Greening Grant Program. “But planting new trees is not enough to stem the loss in canopy cover. We need to do more to preserve our existing mature trees. “The policy will provide a high level of protection for the most significant of our canopy trees, removing the need for Councils to get approval from the State Government on planning processes.” The LPP aims to provide a consistent approach to preserve trees at all stages of the planning and development process, including strategic planning proposals and subdivision applications, as well as development applications. The model LPP defines the term ‘regulated tree’ being a living tree that: 🌲Is 8 metres or more high; and/or 🌲Has an average canopy diameter of at least 6 metres; and/or 🌲Has a trunk circumference of at least 1.5 metres, measured 1.4 metres above the ground; and 🌲Is of a species that is not included on State or local area weed register. “If a Council chooses to use this model it will make decision making on preserving mature trees more consistent and effective.” Find the policy here: https://ow.ly/Em9Z50QMfhS

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Brendan O'Toole

Commercial Director - Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa at KELLER

7mo

Excellent work. Please make sure you also cover pruning such that people cannot deliberately undermine the policy by "pruning" a tree down to a 2m living stump. This is a loophole that needs to be contemplated in advance so the policy is robust.

Patrick Hay

Senior Strategic Planner

7mo

8m is quite high. Generally I think the rule in NSW is 5/6m with some Councils moving to even 3m as this is deemed to be of a sufficient and mature enough size to contribute to overall canopy.

Georgia Lilley

Senior program manager - WA Innovators of the Year at Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

7mo

Brilliant work WALGA! Thank you on behalf of the Cockburn Tree Canopy Advocates ❤️🌳we can’t bear losing any more of our precious mature trees on private property just because of business as usual planning legislation and out dated building design outcomes. Great point about closing those loop holes and taking learnings from other policies 👍

Great work 👏👏👏 We know many communities and their LGAs are keen to get cracking with implementation of this Model LPP 🌳🌳🌳

Peter Taliangis MBA (Curtin) Post Grad Mktg Curtin

National Business Development Manager: +61 431417345 #business #businessdevelopment #manager #a #1 #sales #marketing #bdm #MBA #perth #wa #westernaustralia #perthwa #bdm #networking #australia #perthisok #impact #bdm #au

7mo

Congratulations WA Local Government Association (WALGA) - Carbon Neutral would love to help with creating carbon sinks throughout all the WA councils (were land permits)

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Kyles Delić

Fashion & Brand Stylist Creative Producer Brand Development Consultant at The Stylist Australia

7mo

What is the current policy for fiscus trees being planted in residential gardens please

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