Council adopts new tree retention policy
Residents should be aware of new requirements around pruning and removing trees of a certain height and species on private property in the City of South Perth.
A recent State Administrative Tribunal decision has confirmed that, depending on context, tree removal on private property may constitute ‘works’ requiring development approval under the Planning and Development Act 2005.
At its 26 August Ordinary Council Meeting, Council adopted Local Planning Policy 3.2 – Tree Retention to seek to preserve the City’s tree canopy.
The new policy, which generally aligns with the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Model Local Planning Policy – Tree Retention, clarifies when development approval is required for tree-damaging activity, and guides the assessment of these applications and other planning proposals that impact regulated trees.
A regulated tree is any living tree that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Is 8m or more high; and/or
- Has an average canopy diameter of at least 6m; and/or
- Has a trunk circumference of at least 1.5m, measured 1.4m above the ground; and
- Is of a species that is not included on State or local area weed register.
The policy also outlines clear guidance on when tree removal may be considered and what mitigation—such as replanting—will be required.
The policy is now in effect and applies to all relevant development applications moving forward.
For more information, visit the City's website.
Media contact
For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.
- Phone 9474 0777
- Email media@southperth.wa.gov.au
