Public Tree Management Policy

PROJECT UPDATE

Townsville City Council has formally adopted a Public Tree Management Policy to guide and inform the process around managing trees that form the public tree network.

Trees are a vital part of our urban landscapes, and this policy sets our clear guidelines for how they should be managed by Council, including when a tree can be removed or pruned. This ensures that trees are only removed when any risks posed by preserving the tree cannot be managed or mitigated through arboriculture methods. The Public Tree Management Policy will also involve the creation of a Significant Tree Register for highly valued trees throughout the city.

 *Please refer to Council's Media Release for more information about the adopted Tree Management Policy.* 

Townsville City Council recognises the value and important role of trees in the urban landscape. In managing the City’s Public Tree Network, Council must balance various risks against the social, economic, and environmental benefits Public Trees can provide.

Townsville City Council invites residents to Have Your Say about the adoption of the proposed DRAFT Public Tree Management Policy. A copy of the Policy can be found in the Documents Library on the right of this page.

The purpose of this Policy is to:

• Establish Council’s commitment and strategic direction for the preservation, maintenance, management, enhancement and maintenance of Significant Public Trees on Council controlled Land within the Townsville Local Government Area;
• Address Public Tree management and maintenance issues faced by Council;
• Provide a framework for decision making, documentation and standardised process to ensure consistency of the management of Public Trees on Council Controlled Land within Townsville.

Across the City’s Public Tree Network, Council’s activities and resources shall be prioritised based upon the following order of principles:

• Manage risks to public safety;
• Manage risks to property or infrastructure;
• Preserve and maintain the health and structural soundness of the City’s Public Tree Network including the City’s Significant and Highly Significant Public Trees;
• Improve the City’s image, liveability, and the well-being of the community by prioritising the integration of Public Trees within the urban landscape; and,
• Support the health of the City’s ecosystems through investment in the City’s Public Tree Network.

Public consultation on the adoption of the Public Tree Management Policy will open from Wednesday 15 September 2021 through until Wednesday 13 October 2021.

Residents are invited to Have Your Say by completing the submissions form found below.