At the 23 May Council meeting, Golden Plains Shire Council adopted its Tree Protection and Management Policy.
The Tree Protection and Management Policy (the Policy) was endorsed by Council at its February meeting and placed on public exhibition for a period of three-weeks, with three submissions received during that period.
The submissions related to enquiries about the Policy, which have been responded to directly by Council.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Council was pleased to adopt the Tree Protection and Management Policy.
The adopted Tree Protection and Management Policy reflects Australian and industry standards, and best practice that inform the development of a tree management framework.
With the new and improved Policy in place, we can map out processes that will enhance the life of trees in Golden Plains.
The Policy provides direction for the planting and continued management of trees located on Council managed land (Streets, Roads, Reserves and Public Open Space) and provides a basis to make decisions on the management of trees with a particular vision to balance amenity and risk.
Changes to the policy include tree protection requirements, tree valuation bonds and payments, tree planting, tree inspections, tree pruning, tree removal, risk management, tree roots, significant tree inventory, electrical line clearance and community communication, consultation and complaints.
The adopted Tree Protection and Management Policy is available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au, or a print copy may be requested at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.