Glen Eira City Council in Melbourne is considering a new local law that would prohibit residents from cutting or pruning trees on their properties without a permit. The proposal outlines that a tree in Glen Eira would qualify for protection if it was taller than five meters and had a trunk circumference of 140 centimeters. Additionally, palm trees taller than eight meters would also be protected. Hedge pruning would be allowed without a permit under the proposed regime. However, there are concerns about the financial burden this may place on residents, with some fearing that permits could result in additional costs for ratepayers.
Despite concerns about potential costs, Caulfield East resident Tamara De Silva supports the move to protect trees in Glen Eira. She believes that the new law is necessary due to the loss of many trees in the area over the years, particularly during developments like level crossings. De Silva is advocating for the council to plant more trees and increase the tree canopy coverage in Glen Eira to at least 30 percent. She is also leading an effort to protect 250 mature native and introduced trees on Queens Avenue in Caulfield East from being removed to make way for a state government-approved bike path.
The push to protect trees in Glen Eira comes in the context of other Melbourne councils considering similar measures to preserve canopy cover and deter illegal tree felling. Some councils, like Boroondara and Whitehorse, have strict regulations in place to protect significant trees and biodiversity. Offenders who illegally remove trees can face fines and court proceedings. Glen Eira council has proposed a maximum penalty of $2000 for tree offenses, with an infringement penalty system ranging from five to 20 penalty units.
The proposed laws in Glen Eira are aligned with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and its urban forest strategy. The aim is to halt the progressive decline of the tree canopy by protecting trees on private land, in addition to public land. Private land in Glen Eira accounts for about 66 percent of the total land in the area, making it crucial to enforce regulations that preserve trees. The council is set to vote on the proposal on September 3, with the potential for fines of up to $2000 for offenses related to tree removal without a permit. This reflects a growing trend among councils in Melbourne to protect trees and ensure sustainable urban development.
