New standards for tree planting and removals in Cockburn as council reforms street trees policy
Cockburn council has announced a major policy improvement aimed at growing the city’s tree canopy and protecting its 65,000 existing street trees.
The council announced it will update its street trees planning policy at the March 10 regular council meeting.
The new policy aims to increase street trees on the city’s road reserves and establish clear standards for new tree planting and tree removal.
It will also guide the set-up and management required for subdivision and development within Cockburn.
Cockburn Council Mayor Logan Howlett said strong, long-term tree canopies were vital to maintaining a healthy community.
“This policy ensures we continue to recognize the importance of trees to the health and well-being of our community,” he said.
“The city manages more than 65,000 street trees, improving air quality as habitat for native fauna, with huge benefits for pedestrians and cyclists, to reduce the heat island effect and enhance the character and appeal of our suburbs.”
The policy states that the city will receive compensation to cover the replacement value of the removed trees. The current $600 fee for street tree contributions has been eliminated. Fees are currently set at $980 plus GST.
Any new development to expand Cockburn’s long-term canopy will need to include more trees per plot.
Mr Howlett said this would encourage developers and landowners to plant larger, healthier trees or contribute to the city to do it for them.
“This specifically supports the city’s strategic community plan to combat climate change and protect and enhance our natural areas, woodlands, parks and open spaces,” he said.
“This also reflects community feedback where the streetscape appearance in Cockburn was listed as a high priority.”
The draft policy was released for public feedback last November and December and received three supporting submissions.
“Street trees in metropolitan areas are rapidly disappearing due to a combination of factors,” one person wrote.
“Mostly the verges are used to park vehicles and trees are removed to make room for more vehicles.
“The rental crisis has also led to an increase in the number of people sharing homes, and the amount of space required for vehicles on the edges often reduces the amount of space available for trees.
“Tree cover is important for mitigating climate change, reducing urban heat, and increasing comfort and livability.”
Another person requested that the trees not be planted in the “narrow lane separation strips” on the road, but instead be planted on the road curbs.
A city official responded by confirming that the policy was specifically for the edges, not the middle islands.
The policy covers land zoned residential, regional centre, regional centre, local centre, mixed business, light and service industry and industry.
