More significant trees will be protected in Kingborough after Council endorsed proposed updates to the list at the 16 May Council Meeting.
Kingborough Mayor, Paula Wriedt said that Council had voted in favour for accepting 10 new listings which would potentially add 245 additional trees to the Significant Tree List if supported by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
“Council’s Significant Tree Policy was designed to recognise and protect trees in Kingborough that have been identified as having a high aesthetic, cultural, heritage and/or environmental values,” Cr Wriedt said.
“In February 2022 Council started public consultation on updating the Significant Tree List.
“11 new listings for the Significant Tree List were proposed, representing 245 individual trees in the Kingborough area.
“A total of 22 representations were received from the community, both in support of and against the proposed update of the Significant Tree Register.
“Currently, there are 425 trees listed on Kingborough’s Significant Tree Register.
“Council voted in favour of accepting 10 new listings and if supported by the Tasmanian Planning Commission this would mean Kingborough’s Significant Tree List would represent over 660 trees.
“Some community members raised concerns about the risk of trees dropping limbs.
“It’s important to know that the listing of a tree does not increase or decrease the risk.
“Council has had trees examined by an arborist to assess their health.
“The General Manager of the Council is still able to take immediate action in relation to a listed tree that poses an imminent threat to the safety of people or property.
“It’s also important to understand that where trees on the register are on private property, the owners can still undertake maintenance such as pruning them, provided they do so in accordance with an arborist’s advice.
“The next step in the process is for Council to advise the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) of changes to the proposed planning scheme amendment.
“The Tasmanian Planning Commission will invite those who have made a representation to Council to attend a hearing before they make their final decision.
“Once the process is finalised Council staff will meet with landowners of the proposed newly listed trees to provide them with advice in relation to their ongoing maintenance.”