Draft Tree Retention Council Policy

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:

• By Mail
  PO Box 807
  Fremantle WA 6959
• In Person
  Walyalup Civic Centre
  151 High Street
  Fremantle WA 6160
• By email - communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au
• Online via the submission form below

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.