Published on Wednesday, 11 December 2024 at 3:04:00 PM
The City of Vincent is looking to encourage property owners to retain significant trees on private land.
In March, Council supported Mayor Alison Xamon’s notice of motion to progress planning controls to provide greater protection of tree canopy on private land.
As a result, Vincent is proposing changes to its existing Trees of Significance Policy, as one of many initial actions to preserve its tree canopy coverage.
The proposed changes provide clearer guidance for trees that can be nominated as a significant tree. This includes the ability for third parties to nominate trees.
There will also be increased incentives for owners of listed trees, with greater financial support for maintenance, free arborist advice and development approval exemptions for maintenance works.
Vincent will apply flexibility when considering development proposals that are designed to retain significant trees.
There are currently only nine significant trees on private properties listed in the Trees of Significance Inventory that are protected under Vincent’s planning scheme.
These trees have important visual, ecological and historical value.
“Our tree canopy coverage continues to be impacted by infill development, the polyphagous shot-hole borer and effects of climate change,” said Mayor Alison Xamon.
“We know that the retention of trees on private land is complex, so we are taking a balanced approach through various measures.
“The goal is to incentivise landowners to nominate a significant tree onto our inventory and provide greater protection for those trees.
“We want to see more high-quality housing developments that not only retain as many significant trees as possible, but also include new plantings.”
Vincent will also be introducing incentives, rolling out a public education campaign and advocating for stronger State planning laws.
The community will be able to have their say on the proposed changes to the policy in early 2025.
Council will then consider the results from community consultation and the proposed amended policy.
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