Trees play a vital role in creating healthy, liveable communities. They provide shade and assist with urban cooling, improve air quality, support wildlife, and contribute to our overall wellbeing.

Currently, the City’s planning controls require that landowners seek approval to remove ‘significant trees’ on rural and ‘rural lifestyle lots’ (i.e. Special Rural, Special Residential). There are currently no requirements for approval to remove significant trees on residential or commercial/industrial lots.

Some Local Governments have, or are considering, the introduction of new requirements for landowners to seek approval for the removal of ‘significant trees’ on all private lots including those where it is currently exempt.

The City is seeking your feedback on how you value trees and canopy cover, as well as your views on tree protection and management. Your views will assist the Council in considering whether it should introduce broader tree protection controls.