Council could fine its own residents for pruning mature trees on private property

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Council could fine its own residents for pruning mature trees on private property

An Aussie council is going to great lengths to preserve its tree canopy which could see residents fined for pruning mature trees.

The Town of Bassendean in Perth’s east hopes to mandate that its residents seek council approval for any work or development that impacted trees of a certain size on private property.

The town has also proposed a minimum tree requirement for residential developments that would require residents to plant at least two of trees 2m in height on blocks of 350 sqm or more.

Camera IconAn Aussie council is going to great lengths to preserve its tree canopy proposing fines for residents who prune mature trees. Town of Bassendean Credit: Supplied

Anyone who wanted to remove a tree because it blocked their view, or they did not like it, or the tree shed bark or leaves or because they were installing a swimming pool would have their request rejected.

By introducing the measures, the town hopes to mitigate the impacts of urban heat, reduce air pollution, improve groundwater quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconMayor of the Town of Bassendean Kathryn Hamilton. Supplied Credit: Supplied

Town of Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton said it was about balancing development with environmental sustainability.

“The revised Local Planning Policy 13 underscores the Council’s commitment to reflecting the community’s ******* to preserve Bassendean’s green, natural character,” she said.

The proposal was initially supported by the council in February but was knocked back by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

The department had exempted tree removals from requiring development approval unless they were listed on the Significant Tree Register.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconIf adopted, the proposed policy would mean residents who wanted to remove a tree because it blocked their view, or they did not like it, or the tree shed bark or leaves or because they were installing a swimming pool would have application knocked back. Town of Bassendean Credit: Supplied

In April, the Minister for Planning removed the exemption, which enabled the town to pursue its proposal.

If council adopts the revised policy, it would become an offence for residents to damage a tree without approval from the town, which could result in residents being fined.

The council is not alone, other local governments around Perth are also looking at introducing similar measures to protect trees on private property.

The City of South Perth, Nedlands and Vincent are all looking at ways they can protect green canopies in their neighbourhoods.

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