Have your say on the future management of trees in Baw Baw

Have your say on the future management of trees in Baw Baw

Published on 02 February 2024

Have your say on the protection and management of trees in the Baw Baw Shire with consultation for Council’s Draft Tree Management Plan and Draft Tree Management Policy now open.  

These two documents will guide Council when managing its trees in the future, ensuring it is acting in the best interests of the community, while upholding public safety and maintaining green townships that residents can value and appreciate.

This consultation closely follows Council’s recent Significant Tree Study, which closed last week. Once finalised, the Significant Tree Study will support changes to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme to protect significant trees and build a better understanding of environmental assets across the Shire.

The consultation for the Draft Tree Management Plan and Draft Tree Management Policy will be open for feedback on Baw Baw Connect until Monday 26 February 2024.

The draft plan covers the management of trees that are alongside roads and paths managed by Council, in Council managed open space and, in the vicinity of electric lines where Council is responsible for the clearance of trees. The draft plan also establishes a clear set of guidelines for Council and the community.

The following areas have been included in the Draft Tree Management Plan so that Council has an endorsed position in the future: 

Service levels in Urban and Rural Maintenance Areas Risk, damage, and insurance procedures Tree amenity values Tree protection zones Private planting roadsides Management of tree pests and diseases Overhanging trees and interference with TV reception, solar panels, fence lines and leaf litter Tree maintenance processes regarding removal, pruning, habitat trees, replacement of inappropriate tree species under powerlines. Heritage and memorial trees Trees overhanging gravel walking tracks and trails, and Trees within unused road reserves.

You can read the full draft plan here: www.bawbawconnect.com.au/treemanagement.

The Tree Management Policy will become the overarching document informing how Council manages it's urban and rural trees, while also outlining Council’s position and legal requirements for tree management. View the full draft policy here: www.bawbawconnect.com.au/treemanagement.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said that Council is aware of the important role that trees play in beautifying the local community and what an important asset they are.

“We know how important looking after our trees is and Council has an important role to play in balancing the needs and wants of our community, while also keeping everyone safe,” the Mayor said.

“By putting these two documents out for public exhibition we are giving our community the chance to read and consider these, before giving us their thoughts and feedback on how we can best manage trees in the future in Baw Baw.”

Visit www.bawbawconnect.com.au/treemanagement today and have your say, your way.