THE Shire of Mundaring answered questions calling for stronger tree protections on private land at their October 14 council meeting amid concerns about increasing vegetation clearing in the area.

During public question time, Chidlow resident Megan Rhodes said many new residents were purchasing large blocks in Chidlow and surrounding areas and removing mature trees simply because they disliked them.

She asked what steps the shire was taking to preserve the rural character of the community and whether it would consider a tree retention policy similar to those adopted by other WA local governments.

Shire of Mundaring place and community director Megan Griffiths said the shire’s local planning scheme 4 already included strict provisions protecting native vegetation from clearing without a development application.

She said the shire’s various departments conducted detailed assessments of any subdivision or development applications involving tree removal, and approval was required for the removal of all native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses, unless exemptions applied.

“The shire’s planning framework already contains provisions under clause 5.7.12 that prohibit ringbarking, cutting down or destruction of local native vegetation unless meeting exemption criteria,” she said.

Ms Rhodes then asked what action residents could take if they saw trees being removed without approval.

Ms Griffiths said such matters should be reported directly to the shire for investigation.

“If someone is cutting down trees, they are required to have planning approval,” she said.

“Residents can contact the shire to check whether approval exists, and if not, we can investigate.”

In response to questions from Echo News, a shire spokesperson said each year, the shire maintained more than 700 natural reserves delivering ongoing programs to conserve bushland, restore habitat and increase canopy cover across our foothills, hills and rural areas.

“The shire is currently developing local planning scheme 5, which will reinforce existing environmental safeguards,” they said.

“This includes the formal designation of local natural areas and vegetation protection provisions to preserve ecological values and strengthen future land-use planning.

“To support environmentally responsible private development, the shire offers an environmental asset inspection service, assisting developers to achieve sensitive land-use outcomes by identifying, mapping and recording significant trees during the structure planning and subdivision process.

“The shire also actively promotes canopy expansion and community-led conservation through a range of on-ground initiatives.”

The Shire of Mundaring has received $82,953 through the state government’s urban greening grant program aimed to enable more than 200 trees to be planted in Greenmount and Swan View.

The spokesperson said reports of unauthorised vegetation clearing were thoroughly investigated, and appropriate enforcement actions would be taken to uphold the shire’s environmental standards

“The shire also recognises the amenity and ecological value of large non-native trees that contribute to local landscape character,” the spokesperson said.

“The roadside conservation policy, adopted in 2000 and last reviewed in 2017, is currently under review to ensure it remains contemporary and fit for purpose.

“Council demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental protection through its key strategic frameworks, including the council plan 2024–2034, Local Biodiversity Strategy 2023–2030, and Roadside conservation policy.

“Environmental sustainability is embedded in each  action supported by council and reflected across all operations.”

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said protecting and growing the Shire’s natural assets is a shared effort between council, staff and the community.

“Everyone in the Shire of Mundaring is committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment,” she said.

“I encourage residents to get involved and join one of the more than 70 environmental and catchment groups proudly supported by the shire.

“Caring for our environment is a shared responsibility to ensure our flora and fauna is enhanced for future generations.”

Residents may report suspected breaches by contacting the shire directly on 9290 6666 or shire@munda ring.wa.gov.au