Approved: 21 June 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this policy is to detail processes for the notification of significant tree works prior to the works being undertaken.

Principles of Management

Relationship to Latrobe 2026 & Council Plan

This policy relates to the following Strategic Objectives contained within Latrobe 2026: The Community Vision for Latrobe Valley and the Council Plan:-

Built Environment

Latrobe 2026:

In 2026, Latrobe Valley benefits from a well planned built environment that is complementary to its surroundings and which provides for a connected and inclusive community.

Council Plan:

• Enhance the quality and sustainability of streetscapes and parks across the municipality through the provision and maintenance of trees that are appropriate to their surroundings.
• Ensure Latrobe City Council’s infrastructure is managed through a long term strategic approach to asset management.
• Ensure public infrastructure is maintained in accordance with community aspirations.

Natural Environment

Latrobe 2026:

In 2026, Latrobe Valley enjoys a beautiful natural environment that is managed and protected with respect to ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.

Council Plan:

• Protect and enhance bushland parks and reserves for the benefit of native flora and fauna.
• Enhance biodiversity conservation through the protection and management of remnant native vegetation and revegetation.

Governance                

Latrobe 2026:

In 2026, Latrobe Valley has a reputation for conscientious leadership and governance, strengthened by an informed and engaged community, committed to enriching local decision making.

Council Plan:

• Support effective community engagement to increase community participation in Council decision making.
• Provide timely, effective and accessible information about Latrobe City Council’s activities.
• Ensure that Council decision‑making considers adopted       policies.

Policy Implementation

Definitions

Category 1 - Routine maintenance

• Amenity pruning
• Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees
• Removal of trees where the roots are affecting assets including services e.g. water, sewer, gas, drainage or telecommunications assets.
• Pre planned removal of inappropriate trees
• Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees where more than 25% of trees are required to be removed in a street block, a reserve or a park
• Removal or major works on identified significant specimen trees
• Notification not required

Category 2 - Clearance of trees from power lines

Category 3 – Significant tree works

Procedures

Category 1 – Routine Maintenance

Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees or trees affecting assets where immediate removal is required

• Verbal notification to the abutting residents
• If nobody is home a notification form is to be left at the abutting properties explaining the reason for the urgent tree removal

Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees or trees affecting assets where immediate removal is not required

• Notification form delivered to abutting properties at least three days prior to the commencement of works explaining the reason for the proposed tree removal
• The form is to have name and contact details of the arborist in charge of the work with an invitation to make contact if further information is required
• The “Code of Practice for Electric Line Clearance (Vegetation)” published by Energy Safe Victoria includes requirements for consultation and notification, which Council is required to follow. The additional requirements of the Electrical Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2005 must also be followed.

Category 2 – Clearance of trees from power lines

Category 3 – Significant Tree Works

Pre planned removal of inappropriate trees

Unless a specific Council resolution is made to the contrary:

• Report to Council annually after the adoption of the budget with a recommended program for the financial year;
• Report to include proposed replacement tree species;
• Following Council acceptance of the annual program a press release to be prepared detailing the proposed annual program;
• Notification by letter to be distributed to affected persons at least two months prior to commencement of works explaining the details of the proposed works -

1. Street trees – residents within the block
2. Recreation reserve trees – user groups through the City’s recreation unit and residents in close proximity to the trees
3. Parks – residents in close proximity to the trees;

• Notification in the Councillor bulletin at least two months prior to commencement of works;
• Copy of the notification to be placed in the pigeon hole of the respective ward Councillor;
• Verbal notification to the respective ward Councillor at least one month prior to commencement of works.

Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees or trees affecting assets or identified significant specimen trees where immediate removal required

• Verbal notification to the abutting residents;
• If nobody is at home a notification form to be left at the abutting properties explaining the reason for the urgent tree removal.

Removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees or trees affecting services or identified significant specimen trees where immediate removal is not required

• Notification form delivered to abutting properties at least one month prior to the commencement of works explaining the reason for the proposed tree removal;
• The form is to have name and contact details of the arborist in charge with an invitation to make contact if further information is required;
• Notification in the Councillor bulletin at least one month prior to commencement of works;
• Copy of the notification to be placed in the pigeon hole of the respective ward Councillor;
• Verbal notification to the respective ward Councillor at least one month prior to commencement of works.

Accountability and Responsibility

Accountability and responsibility for this policy is outlined below.

Council

• Responsibility to ensure this Policy is consistent with Latrobe City Council Strategic Direction and other Latrobe City Council Policy
• Responsibility for the decision to approve this Policy by Council Resolution

Chief Executive Officer

• Overall responsibility for compliance with this policy
• Overall responsibility for enforcing accountability
• Overall responsibility for providing resources
• Overall responsibility for performance monitoring

General Manager

• Responsibility for compliance with this policy
• Responsibility for enforcing accountability
• Responsibility for providing resources
• Responsibility for performance monitoring

Manager

• Develop frameworks and procedures in compliance with this policy
• Enforce responsibilities to achieve compliance with frameworks and procedures
• Provide appropriate resources for the execution of the frameworks and procedures

Employees, Contractors and Volunteers

• Participate where required in the development of frameworks and procedures in compliance with this policy.
• Comply with frameworks and procedures developed to achieve compliance with this policy.

Evaluation and Review

This policy will be reviewed on request of Council, in the event of significant change in the Executive team, significant changes to legislation applicable to the subject matter of the policy or, in any other case, during each Council term (generally four years).