About the amendment

The City of Cockburn is proposing updates to the existing 'Significant Tree' provisions in the Town Planning Scheme No. 3 and invites feedback from the community.

The updates relate to the existing ‘Significant Tree’ provisions at Clause 4.18 (with subclauses) of the Scheme Text. The proposed updates include a Tree Preservation Order, which introduces the ability to impose protective orders for trees into the City of Cockburn Town Planning Scheme No.3 (TPS3). The updates aim to:

• Provide scheme provisions that allow for a more comprehensive framework for Significant Trees
• Ensure that Significant Trees respond to the criteria, and are not only listed for cultural heritage value
• Allow for immediate protection of proposed Significant Trees, thereby reducing the risk that trees will be removed prior to being included on the list
• Provide a more robust legal framework, including prosecuting unauthorised removal of ‘Significant Trees’.

The proposed amendment will provide certainty, guidance and enforceable provisions for the protection of significant trees, in particular those located on private land throughout the City.

Read the proposed amendment in the Document Library or learn more in the Frequently Asked Questions.

What will happen next

To guide the City's consideration of the proposed amendment, the City invites the community to make a submission. At the end of the submission period, the City reviews the feedback, alongside planning guidelines and policies, and submits a recommendation to Council. The Western Australian Planning Commission then reviews the proposal and Council's advice and makes the final decision on behalf of the Minister for Planning.