Update on Tree Removal on Branksome Gardens, City Beach

Published on 12 March 2025

The Town of Cambridge is investigating the attempted removal of a mature tuart tree on private property in City Beach on Friday, 7 March, following multiple calls and emails from concerned residents about unauthorised activity.

Town officers attended the property on Friday, 7 March, and verbally directed workers to stop work on the tree removal. Workers refused and continued works. Works also continued Saturday, 8 March. Police were also in attendance at the property on Friday at the request of Town officers and due to community concerns.

Stop Work Direction Notices were also formally served by the Town on the property owner and the contractor on Tuesday, 11 March. 

The Town’s position is that the tree is not authorised for removal. The approved development plans, dated 8 October 2024, did not require or explicitly indicate the removal of the existing tree.

Following the adoption of Local Planning Policy 3.25: Tree Retention by Council on 10 December 2024, the Town formally notified the landowner on 18 December 2024 that the tree was not approved for removal. Subsequent discussions were held with the landowner regarding their obligations and the importance of retaining the tree.

Despite these discussions and clear advice from the Town, the landowner undertook unauthorised tree-damaging activity on 7 March 2025.

Protecting urban tree canopy is a top priority, and the Town remains committed to preserving mature trees as part of broader climate resilience efforts. The Town appreciates the community’s concerns and encourages anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues.

The Town remains committed to enforcing its tree retention policy and is currently considering the appropriate compliance response on the matter.