Cockburn Council has adopted an updated Street Trees Local Planning Policy to help increase the City’s tree canopy.
The amended policy aims to increase street trees in City road reserves and provides a framework for the installation and management of trees associated with subdivision and infill development.
Adopted at Cockburn’s 10 March Ordinary Council Meeting, the policy covers land zoned Residential, Regional Centre, District Centre, Local Centre, Mixed Business, Light and Service Industry, and Industry.
Advertised publicly last November and December attracting a total of three submissions in support of proposed amendments, the policy establishes a clear standard for new tree plantings and tree removals.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the policy would ensure developers and landowners planted bigger, healthier trees or they could contribute to the City to do it on their behalf.
“This policy allows us to continue to recognise the importance of trees to the health and wellbeing of our community,” Mayor Howlett said.
“The City manages more than 65,000 street trees which are a huge benefit to pedestrians and cyclists, improved air quality, as habitat for native fauna, to reduce the heat island effect and enhance the character and attractiveness of our suburbs.
“It specifically supports the City’s Strategic Community Plan to address climate change and protect and enhance our natural areas, bushland, parks and open spaces.
“It also reflects community feedback which lists streetscape appearance as a high priority in Cockburn.”
The policy also requires that the City receive compensation for the removal of trees to cover their replacement value, and new developments will need to include more trees per lot to grow the City’s long-term canopy.