Kiama Council will review its tree management policy, which could see property owners remove trees without council permission.
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Cr Matt Brown believes council’s policy favours trees over residents' safety.
Cr Brown submitted a motion to amend the current policy at council’s May 15 meeting, does not believe the current policy adequately responds to the risk factors urban trees can pose to the safety of property owners and residents.
A large lemon-scented gum situated on Hillview Circuit, Kiama, was at the centre of the debate.
The owner of the property and that of the neighbouring property made a deputation at a public access meeting, which supported Cr Brown’s motion.
“I have continually heard stories from residents who are frustrated by council’s policy in the removal of inappropriate and dangerous trees,” Cr Brown.
“We have a policy that is not working because we have this huge tree in a small backyard.
“Trees have more rights than people in this town.”
Cr Brown wants to permit property owners to cut down trees that are non-native, less than six-metres high and planted on residential zoned properties less than 2000 square metres.
Gerroa Environment Protection Society’s Howard Jones, was opposed to the amendments to the policy.
“This will lead to significant changes to the character of the municipality and lead to a loss of many iconic landmark trees many of which are over a century old,” he said.
“These trees are a significant part of Jamberoo, Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa’s heritage.
“It has been a long standing policy supported by all sides of council politics, however the decision to largely abandon the policy signals a significant change in the environmental direction of Kiama Council.”
Kiama Council’s director of environmental services Linda Davis said the community would be consulted before any changes were made.
“Council’s tree management policy is actually a chapter in the Development Control Plan (DCP) that guides all aspects of development across the local government area,” she said.
“The process to amend the DCP includes a requirement to consult with the community.”
Council staff will prepare a new policy that takes into account the specific wording of the resolution, a risk assessment of their current tree removal criteria and assessment processes, contemporary best practice approaches to tree policy and recent changes to legislation.
“Following the drafting of the changes to the existing DCP, council will place the new policy on public exhibition for the required minimum of 28 days,” Ms Davis said.
“Council will then be presented with a report for consideration that includes information about submissions that may have been made before making a decision to adopt the new policy with or without changes.”