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A POLICY to improve tree coverage within the Shire of Mundaring is out for public comment.
The draft policy aims to increase tree canopy cover creating more shade and minimize heat absorption within the Shire’s road reserves, support biodiversity and improve the character and amenity of streets.
A report, supported by the council in March, agreed to put the policy out for public comment until Friday, April 20.
The report said trees in the shire were a defining characteristic of the Perth Hills lifestyle but were not consistent throughout the locality.
New residential subdivisions are required to plant street trees under the State’s livable neighborhood’s policy but the same rules do not apply to rural-resi
dential subdivisions.
“There are various examples across the shire where street trees have, for whatever reason, been planted inappropriately and had to be removed or replaced, at the shire’s expense,” the report said.
“A clear policy position is required to ensure the shire does not take on management control of newly constructed road reserves that require excessive vegetation management costs.”
The policy is intended to strengthen the shire’s position for or against tree removal within private developments.
The policy is available at the Shire of Mundaring’s administration building, the Boya and Mundaring libraries or from the public notices page of the shire website at www.mundaring.wa.gov.au.
Submissions must be made before close of business on Friday, April 20.
Submissions can be made electronically via the website or mailed to Shire of Mundaring, 7000 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring, WA 6073.
Call 9290 6740 for more information.
By Claire Ottaviano
