Urban Tree Strategy 2014-2025

The draft Urban Tree Strategy engagement closed 21 April 2014. The revised strategy was adopted by Council on 27 May 2014. The new strategy is a more contemporary version of the existing Tree Management Strategy first adopted in 2007.
The major changes associated with the Urban Tree Strategy 2014 – 2025 is the separation of key objectives and outcomes associated with operational activity in relation to all aspects of urban tree management practices undertaken by Council.
Of significance is the inclusion of a new model that allows Council to determine an amenity value (expressed in dollars) for the trees under their care and control. This model is referred to as the Tree Amenity Valuation formula and will be used as an additional tool when assessing trees within the urban environment especially where they interact with development and infrastructure.
Another key element brought into the new strategy is the development of operational protocols and procedures (Urban Tree Technical Manuals) that define Council’s activities in relation to tree management practices and reflect recent changes in tree management standards and legislation that affects Council activities.
Existing street tree replacement plans and directions will now be addressed through new Street Tree Master Plans underpinned by the development of Council’s first Public Domain Streetscape Strategy. The continuation of Council’s major second generation street tree replacement programs will continue, however these annual programs will be undertaken in association with the broader streetscape strategy.

Importantly, Council has recognised that future tree replacement strategies associated with the City’s major parks and reserves will be addressed through the development of Vegetation Management Plans that will reinforce and reflect existing plantings or recommend changes to reflect community views.

Why the Review

Council has an existing Tree Management Strategy. This document has been influenced by recent changes in legislation that affect the way Council manages trees, and the influences that climate has on tree health and safety.

The creation of the Urban Tree Strategy will ensure Council remains at the forefront of tree management practices and that Council continues to embrace opportunities to create an urban forest that is diverse, robust and resilient in the face of current and future challenges.

Key changes to the current strategy

The new strategy redefines Council’s approach to replacement plantings, opportunities to maximise tree species that increase biodiversity, and when and how Council will undertake removal and/or pruning of trees.

The strategy comprises three distinct documents, they include Policy (new Tree Management Policy), strategic directions (Urban Tree Strategy) and operational procedures (Urban Tree Technical Manuals).

The new strategy redefines Council’s approach to replacement plantings, opportunities to maximise tree species that increase biodiversity, and when and how Council will undertake removal and or pruning of trees.

Urban Tree Strategy 2014 - 2025

The document lists a range of actions associated with developing a new Public Domain Streetscape Strategy to help guide the Council in integrating treescapes that complement and support the development of functional and aesthetic public streetscapes.

Key Objectives

The Urban Tree Strategy 2014 - 2025 will achieve the following objectives:

• Develop and integrate tree management actions that facilitate continuous improvement in Council’s management of the Urban Forest.
• Develop and implement sustainable management practices.
• Provide a clear frame work for all management actions including priority setting, timeframes and accountability settings to achieve the actions and goals.
• Increase species diversity and improve the age spread of the urban forest.
• Recognise and protect trees considered significant due to heritage, cultural, social and ecological criteria now referred to as 'Landmark Trees'.
• Improve the quality and quantity of The City of Burnside's canopy cover.

The document now includes a new section on Street Tree Master Plans for our City streets and new Vegetation Management Plans for our parks and reserves (to be developed progressively over the coming years).

These documents provide the framework for future tree planting regimes and provide the community with information about tree species selected for their streets or reserves.

Amenity Valuation Formula

Council has developed a formula to assist in determining the true cost associated with managing our urban forest, currently valued at over $200 million.

The Tree Amenity Valuation formula allows Council to apply a monetary value to public trees that may interact or come into conflict with development or the installation of services as a part of infrastructure upgrades.

Tree Management Policy

The City of Burnside has been granted a legacy from our community in the management of its urban forest. The Tree Management Policy embraces the opportunity to generate a new legacy for the Burnside community and create an urban forest for future generations. This policy sets out how our urban forest will become diverse, robust and resilient in the face of current and future challenges.

Urban Tree Technical Manuals

The Urban Tree Technical Manuals will include all relevant standards and legislative requirements imposed on staff in undertaking their daily activities.

The manuals are flexible working documents that may change as needs arise however they are also documents that the community will have access to.

They are also valuable educational documents that assist our community to understand how Council manages the development of the urban forest.