Council protects the future of our trees

There was rousing applause in the chamber last night when Hornsby Shire Council significantly strengthened tree protections, vastly increasing the number of tree species that cannot be removed without Council approval.

“This is great news for everybody who values our title as the Bushland Shire and wants to see our impressive tree canopy preserved,” Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said.

“Previously the protections only applied to a list of tree species that were native to Hornsby Shire, but we’ve flipped the rules around.

“Now all trees are protected, except for a limited list of species that are considered to be weeds or a hazard.”

During the exhibition period 132 submissions were received from the public, of which 120 were in support of the increased tree protections – an approval rating of more than 90 percent.

“That’s an extraordinary result and it demonstrates how strongly the community cares about our natural heritage,” Mayor Ruddock said.

“The vast majority of people are grateful for the magnificent trees we have in our Bushland Shire and they want to pass those on to future generations.”

The general rules for tree protection remain the same and the only significant change is that the rules now apply to far more species of tree.

Penalties apply for removing or damaging trees that are protected by the Tree and Vegetation Preservation Controls.

“Council has done what it can to protect our trees and now we are relying on all residents to follow the new rules,” Mayor Ruddock said.

“If you are thinking of removing a tree on your property, it is now safest to assume it is protected and contact Council.”

Increased tree protections are not the only steps Council is taking to make our Shire greener.

There are also significantly more tree plantings occurring, such as that which accompanied recent road works in Mount Colah’s Neridah Avenue.

Mayor Ruddock stopped by to help with that tree planting last week (pictured).

These are the tree species that are exempt from the changes to the Tree and Vegetation Preservation controls in the Hornsby Development Control Plan. Council approval is now required to remove all other trees.