The Tree Management Plan is being developed to provide guidance on the management of public trees to ensure a consistent approach whilst providing a safe environment for the community.

Council’s tree management is based on relevant legislative requirements and existing Council policies and strategies, as well as accepted best practice tree care.

This plan is intended for use by staff dealing with issues relating to trees on Council managed land and as a document that can be referred to by the community.

A periodic review of this plan will be undertaken at least once every 5 years, and updated as necessary, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

The objectives of this plan are:

• Improve overall outcomes for public trees through raising awareness of tree related matters
• Protect existing public trees through providing tree protection and retention measures
• Maintain public safety and optimise resource allocation through implementing a risk-based public tree management program
• Provide a consistent approach to management and protection of trees in the Shire’s Significant Tree Register
• Integrate and streamline public tree care, tree planting and emergency response
• Manage public trees in accordance with legislative requirements, such as the Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA) and Native Vegetation Removal Regulations.

The draft Tree Management Plan can be viewed in the document library (top right of page).

Options for making a submission include:

• Provide your feedback below;
• Post your submission to the Chief Executive Officer, Hepburn Shire Council, PO Box 21, Daylesford VIC 3460; or
• Email your submission to shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

Submissions on the plan are due to Council by 5.00pm on Thursday 28 October 2021.