A Council decision to adopt ‘Local Planning Policy 5.23 – Tree Protection’ was made at the 9 December Ordinary Council Meeting but is subject to approval from the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Minister for Planning. The decision included renumbering the Draft Policy from 5.26 to Local Planning Policy 5.23.

The WAPC and Minister must first approve the deletion of clause 4.18 in the City’s Town Planning Scheme No.3 which only provides protection for trees already on the City’s Significant Tree Register. It is expected the decision could take anywhere between six and 12 months.

The new local planning policy is designed to provide a clear description of a ‘regulated tree’ on private land and when development approval is required for any ‘tree damaging’ activity, including trees already listed on the City’s Significant Tree Register.

The City publicly advertised the draft policy between 5 May and 1 September this year, receiving 323 submissions in response to a variety of community consultation methods.

A majority of the respondents – 76 per cent – supported the idea of the need for Development Approval to remove or damage certain trees on private land.

Only 21 per cent of respondents opposed the policy, which is based on the model prepared by the WA Local Government Association, but with added adjustments tailored to ensure clarity for the Cockburn community.