Feedback sought on protecting Geelong’s trees

THE City of Greater Geelong wants to come up with a system of protecting trees on private land and is seeking community input.

At the moment, the only trees on private land that are protected in the municipality are those covered by an existing heritage or environmental overlay, such as larger canopy trees or trees found to be significant.

Cr Andrew Katos said there were a range of regulatory and non-regulatory options available.

“There are currently no consistent statewide policy provisions on the issue.

“Some councils have no private tree controls in place, while others have regulatory controls via a local law, a planning overlay or both.”

The regulatory approach requires a permit to remove trees identified for protection.

This would include paying an application fee and providing information on why the tree should be removed.

A local law or a planning overlay could be introduced to require a permit for tree removal.

Permit controls can include a range of exemptions that enable trees to be removed or trimmed without the need for a permit.

Penalties apply if identified trees are removed without a permit.

In a report it prepared in October 2023 about strengthening Geelong’s regulations about trees on private land, the city investigated five options but did not consider a blanket up front local law.

“Such Local Laws do not show up on vendor statements and must be regularly communicated to residents, they require a high level of resources to manage (from residents and Council) and it is likely that more than 90 per cent of trees would be permitted to be removed,” the report stated.

“They present as red tape and are not considered to be a good use of community resources.”

As for non-regulatory opportunities, examples include free arborist advice or tree maintenance grants to help maintain identified trees, or free tube stock giveaways at special events or programs.

Of the suburbs in the City of Greater Geelong, only four – Barwon Heads,. Newcomb, Newtown and Ocean Grove.- had canopy cover of between 20 and 25 per cent as of 2023, with all other suburbs having less than that.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said it was important community members from across the region had a say.

“We look forward to hearing from residents about regulatory and non-regulatory options available for tree protection.

“I encourage you to read through the information to get a better understanding of the potential benefits and impacts of both options.”

Community engagement is open at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/privatetrees until March 14.