Council Initiatives

Hobson's Bay City Council: Urban Forest Strategy 2020

• Canopy Delivery Plan October 2022

• Draft Urban Forest Strategy 2020

• Draft Urban Forest Action Plan 2020

• Draft Urban Forest Summary 2020

Hobsons Bay Tree Policy Dec 2021

Below is an abridged version of Council policy. The Williamstown Tree Group welcomes this more comprehensive policy although there is certainly opportunities for its further development. Furthemore, these policies need to be fully adhered to, policed, resourced and acted upon.

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These policies apply to all trees including streets, parks, reserves and all other open spaces.

These policies also apply to the retention of trees on private land.

All policies to be reviewed in three years time 2024.

All policies and principles to support HBCC canopy cover target of 30% by 2040.

Trees are valuable assets.

All trees have a monetary value, derived from using the 'Hobsons Bay Tree Amenity Calculator'.

Tree Management.

Council's street trees are managed through HBCC's Street Tree Management Contract, which includes planting, watering, and care over a two year period.

Council's trees in reserves and parks are managed through HBCC's Park Tree Management Plan.

Tree Planting.

New sub-divisions must have one tree per lot, and no more than 10 metres apart. Additional trees will be planted on nature strips that can accommodate more than one tree.

Tree Removal and Developments

Existing trees must be shown on public land and private land plans and drawings re planning applications.

Design priorities: a. Avoidance of tree removal. b. Minimisation of tree removal.

Any tree removal approved will require a payment of a tree amenity fee and associated administration costs, borne by the proponent of the tree removal.

Unauthorised removal subject to penalties.

Development Site Tree Protection.

Trees must be adaquately protected above and below ground otherwise penalties may incur.

Council Tree Removal.

Strictly only if of immediate public risk and no other viable options exist, or possiblly if diseased, unhealthy, or terminally damaged or dead.

Removal may occur as part of a scheduled tree removal. Any removal must be assessd by a senior HBCC arborist.

Trees will not be removed because of perceived nuisance, overhanging limbs, view maintenance, parking space, minor allergies or fauna.

Tree Controls.

All trees with a trunk diameter greater than 450 mm at 1.5 metres above ground level are protected.

Hobson's Bay City Council Canopy Delivery Plan Nov 2022

Coming soon.