Draft Tree Retention Council Policy

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At the 27 November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting the draft policy was unanimously endorsed by Council for the purpose of public advertising and community engagement. The policy is now open for community comment. The draft Local Planning Policy 2.26: Tree Retention (Tree Retention Policy) aims to retain existing mature canopy trees on private property, by requiring development (planning) approval to remove trees above a specified size, on lots coded R30 and below and Development Areas.

The primary purpose of the draft policy is to retain mature canopy trees during the subdivision and demolition stages, as well as encourage proponents to consider design that responds to existing trees on site. Trees and other vegetation in urban areas provide significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community. The greatest environmental, aesthetic and cooling benefits of trees are provided by large, mature trees which typically have the largest canopy cover. However, large trees in urban environments are most likely to be removed during subdivision and demolition stages when land tends to be clear-felled to make way for new development. The proposed policy aligns with the City of Fremantle's Urban Forest Plan (2017) and demonstrates City recognition of the increasing importance of retaining trees, ensuring that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

In summary, the draft Tree Retention Policy aims to:

  • Prioritise the retention, protection, and the provisions of trees on private land and adjacent reserves in the planning process.
  • Promote and facilitate tree preservation at the earliest possible stage in the planning and development process, balancing with the desired built form and land use outcomes.
  • Preserve and enhance neighbourhood amenity, character and sense of place.
  • Mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce air pollution, improve groundwater quality and contribute to biodiversity and other environmental benefits.

The City recognises that the adoption of this policy may affect residents, developers and businesses within the community. This engagement process seeks to inform the public of this policy proposal and collect feedback from individuals, groups, and organisations for Council to consider before its final adoption.

Before the Council makes a final decision on the Policy, we are asking the community to:

  • Review the draft Tree Retention Policy, Key Documents and Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Contribute feedback by completing the survey below.
  • Provide a written submission or request a 1:1 meeting with a City Officer.

City Officers aim to:

  • Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
  • Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are duly noted, provide clarity on questions that may arise.

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss this policy and your feedback?

  • 1:1 Meeting: Would you like to meet 1:1 with City Officers to get clarification on the policy, and how to best submit your feedback? You can request a meeting by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au. Please note, we'll aim to meet all requests subject to staff availability.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Hard copies of the draft Tree Retention Policy are also available at the Walyalup Civic Centre, 51 High Street, Fremantle between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please note submissions will close on 12 February 2025 at 5pm AWST.

At the 27 November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting the draft policy was unanimously endorsed by Council for the purpose of public advertising and community engagement. The policy is now open for community comment. The draft Local Planning Policy 2.26: Tree Retention (Tree Retention Policy) aims to retain existing mature canopy trees on private property, by requiring development (planning) approval to remove trees above a specified size, on lots coded R30 and below and Development Areas.

The primary purpose of the draft policy is to retain mature canopy trees during the subdivision and demolition stages, as well as encourage proponents to consider design that responds to existing trees on site. Trees and other vegetation in urban areas provide significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community. The greatest environmental, aesthetic and cooling benefits of trees are provided by large, mature trees which typically have the largest canopy cover. However, large trees in urban environments are most likely to be removed during subdivision and demolition stages when land tends to be clear-felled to make way for new development. The proposed policy aligns with the City of Fremantle's Urban Forest Plan (2017) and demonstrates City recognition of the increasing importance of retaining trees, ensuring that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

In summary, the draft Tree Retention Policy aims to:

  • Prioritise the retention, protection, and the provisions of trees on private land and adjacent reserves in the planning process.
  • Promote and facilitate tree preservation at the earliest possible stage in the planning and development process, balancing with the desired built form and land use outcomes.
  • Preserve and enhance neighbourhood amenity, character and sense of place.
  • Mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce air pollution, improve groundwater quality and contribute to biodiversity and other environmental benefits.

The City recognises that the adoption of this policy may affect residents, developers and businesses within the community. This engagement process seeks to inform the public of this policy proposal and collect feedback from individuals, groups, and organisations for Council to consider before its final adoption.

Before the Council makes a final decision on the Policy, we are asking the community to:

  • Review the draft Tree Retention Policy, Key Documents and Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Contribute feedback by completing the survey below.
  • Provide a written submission or request a 1:1 meeting with a City Officer.

City Officers aim to:

  • Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
  • Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are duly noted, provide clarity on questions that may arise.

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss this policy and your feedback?

  • 1:1 Meeting: Would you like to meet 1:1 with City Officers to get clarification on the policy, and how to best submit your feedback? You can request a meeting by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au. Please note, we'll aim to meet all requests subject to staff availability.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Hard copies of the draft Tree Retention Policy are also available at the Walyalup Civic Centre, 51 High Street, Fremantle between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please note submissions will close on 12 February 2025 at 5pm AWST.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    What is the Tree Rention Policy and why do we need one? How will the adoption of this policy affect residents, local businesses and developers? What exemptions will there be to the policy? Click through to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on this project.

    Read the FAQ here.

  • Draft Council Policy: Tree Retention

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    We ask that you review this draft policy before making your contributing your feedback.

    Read the draft council policy here.

  • Related: City of Fremantle Urban Forest Plan

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    The Urban Forest Plan (UFP) was adopted by the City in July 2017 and provides an overall comprehensive plan for the long-term management and establishment of trees in the City.

    The Fremantle 2029 Community Visioning process identified a clear long–term vision to be a sustainable, liveable and vibrant place over the coming decades. A key value identified is the City of Fremantle (City)’s green spaces and places, with a fundamental responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment, green spaces and heritage features of the City.

    The UFP provides an opportunity to contribute to achieving this core community wellbeing and environmental value. An urban forest provides residents and the City’s community with critical ecosystem services such as air and water filtration, shade, cooling, habitat, oxygen, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

    Read the City's Urban Forest Plan (2017) here.

  • Related Policy: Trees on City Owned or Managed Land

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    The draft Tree Retention policy outlines that the City of Fremantle recognises the increasing importance of retaining trees and ensures that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

    This draft policy should be read in conjunction with the Trees on City Owned or Managed Land Policy

    You can read the City's Policy on Trees on City Owned or Managed Land Policy here.

  • Related Policy: Register of Significant Trees and Vegetation Areas

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    The draft Tree Retention Policy provides City recognition of the increasing importance of retaining trees and ensures that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

    This policy should be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the City of Fremantle Local Planning Scheme No. 4, including the City's Register of Significant Trees and Vegetation Areas local planning policy.

    You can read the City's Register of Significant Trees and Vegetation Areas here.

  • Related Policy: Crossover Policy

    Share Related Policy: Crossover Policy on Facebook Share Related Policy: Crossover Policy on Twitter Share Related Policy: Crossover Policy on Linkedin Email Related Policy: Crossover Policy link
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    This policy outlines that the City recognises the increasing importance of retaining trees and ensures that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

    This Policy should be read in conjunction with the City of Fremantle Crossover Policy.

    Read the City's Crossover Policy by clicking here.

  • Related: State Planning Policy (7.3 & 3.7)

    Share Related: State Planning Policy (7.3 & 3.7) on Facebook Share Related: State Planning Policy (7.3 & 3.7) on Twitter Share Related: State Planning Policy (7.3 & 3.7) on Linkedin Email Related: State Planning Policy (7.3 & 3.7) link
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    The draft Tree Retention Policy reflects City recognition of the increasing importance of retaining trees and ensures that retention and enhancement of the City’s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development.

    This Policy should be read in conjunction with two WAPC State Planning Policies:

  • Related: Our Strategic Community Plan

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    The City's 2024-2034 Strategic Community Plan (SCP) is the City’s most significant guiding document and establishes the community’s long-term aspirations and vision for Fremantle’s future. The Plan drives the City’s planning, budgeting, resource allocation and service delivery over the next decade, and was developed in direct collaboration with people who live, work, and play in Fremantle.

    The draft Tree Retention Policy acknowledges public feedback expressed during the SCP engagement period and aligns with the key SCP focus area: Fremantle as a Liveable City, which recognises "Sustainably designed and optimised urban and natural environments - Urban development and public realm enhancement is coordinated, design-led, and sympathetic to surrounding natural environments" and "An increasing tree canopy that enhances biodiversity and helps cool our urban environments."

    Read the Strategic Community Plan here.

Page last updated: 15 Jan 2025, 04:24 PM