Brimbank

Tree Policy

August 2021

A cooler, greener Brimbank

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 1

Contents

Policy drivers

4

Biodiversity Strategy

5

Health and wellbeing

6

Environment

8

Economy

8

Vision

11

Objectives

11

Challenges and strategic directions

11

Community awareness

11

Updates and consultations

11

Prioritising strategic locations

13

Ensuring resilience

14

Planting on private land

14

Planting street trees

14

Planting in parks and open spaces

15

Trees on private land

16

Trees on public land

19

Valuation and tree removal fees

19

Trees conflicting with private interests

20

Maintenance work conducted by Council

22

Other types of tree maintenance work

24

Maintenance work not carried out by Council 24

How to get involved

24

Objective 1: Community education

and engagement

25

Objective 2: Greening our city

26

Objective 3: Improving urban tree management 27

Objective 4: Demonstrating

Best Practice in Tree Maintenance

27

Street trees

28

Street trees continued

29

Parks trees

30

Parks trees continued

31

Planting and protecting trees on private land is

imperative to achieving sufficient canopy cover, and

Brimbank was one of the first councils in Melbourne

to introduce a legal requirement for trees in the front

and back yards of new infill housing developments.

Since trees take time to grow and provide maximum

benefit, Council’s Local Law already includes Clause

9 for the protection of significant trees on private

land. A requirement of this clause is a Significant

Tree Policy that provides direction for determining a

significant tree and a permit system for any works to

a nominated significant tree on private land.

A draft Significant Tree Policy has been prepared for

Council consideration at the same time as the draft

Brimbank Tree Policy.

4 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

This Strategy aims to realise

the vision “to create a

resilient, healthy and

diverse landscape that

improves the liveability of

Brimbank, meeting

community needs now and

into the future”. Whilst it

encompasses all kinds of

urban vegetation, it singles

out tree canopy cover as the

most important measure of

success. The target is to increase the canopy cover to

30% by 2046, and the Brimbank Tree Policy is a direct

action to that end.

This Plan targets net-zero carbon emissions for

Council operations by 2030 and for the municipality

at large by 2040. Adding a major carbon sink, the

Brimbank Tree Policy is crucial to meeting these

goals. It addresses four of the five major themes

identified in the Climate Emergency Plan: People

Power (achieving positive change together, leaving

no one behind); Resilient Rebuild (facilitating safe

connections for low-emission transport such as

walking and cycling); Green and Cool (securing a

flourishing urban forest); and Circular Economy

(regenerate natural systems and design out

pollution).

Prior to the original launch of this Plan in 2008,

there were virtually no destination places within the

municipality; residents travelled to neighbouring

suburbs for park activities. Council has since invested

$37 million in 116 parks, earning 10 industry awards

in the process.

Brimbank now offers a wide range of green spaces,

and the importance these hold to the community

spirit was made particularly clear during the

COVID-19 restrictions of 2020. Parks were where

people gathered and socialised. As we move into an

uncertain future of higher temperatures and new

pandemics, the Brimbank Tree Policy will be critical to

sustaining a connected community.

Since transportation accounts for 18% of our

community’s carbon footprint, this Strategy addresses

the climate crisis as well as matters of health and

wellbeing. It has seen Council construct over 40km

of off- and on-road cycle routes as well as a range of

upgrades to other cycling and walking facilities. With

cycling and walking now steadily on the increase

across the community, this Strategy recommends that

trees be incorporated in any new cycling or walking

infrastructure projects to make them more attractive,

provide shade and encourage an active lifestyle.

Any healthy ecosystem relies on its biodiversity

to function, and Brimbank supports some of the

last urban populations of endangered species and

communities. This Strategy notes that modern

urban design focuses on improving human health

and wellbeing by giving residents everyday access

to a range of different natural environments. It also

identifies climate change as a key threat to biodiversity

and recommends an increase in tree canopy cover as

Council’s primary response to heat waves.

This Strategy outlines the importance of Water

Sensitive Urban Design in mitigating climate change

and reducing urban heat. It confirms the high benefits

of assisting waterway health through revegetation

and recommends that blue-green assets such as tree

pits be prioritised to direct stormwater to trees and

provide cooling of urban hot spots, parks, roads and

town centres.

A regional approach to delivering

community health and wellbeing

Strategic plan 2020-2025

This regional collaboration

between 38 state and local

government authorities,

community groups and other

affiliates is the first of its

kind. It focusses on

delivering health and

wellbeing through green

infrastructure, underlining

the importance of ensuring

sufficient tree canopy cover.

Having generated around

$40 million in green investments and won six industry

awards, Greening The West has to date, planted over a

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 5

million trees across the western suburbs. The

Brimbank Tree Policy aligns with all of its intended

outcomes: maximise greening; support greening

with sustainable water supplies; increase climate

adaptation, urban cooling, liveability and health; and

improve community education and participation.

Presenting a vision of

international significance in

its whole-of-city approach,

this Strategy is supported

by some 32 metropolitan

councils, state government

agencies, non-government

and community

organisations. It aims to

create a profound shift in

how people think about

the relationship between

cities and nature. Whereas

cities have traditionally been perceived as being in

conflict with nature, people are increasingly

beginning to understand that the long-term viability

of cities depend on their ability to integrate nature.

Maintaining sufficient tree canopy cover is key to

achieving this, and the Strategy recommends

ambitious targets to ensure a greener, more liveable

Melbourne in the future.

Key benefits

of urban trees

The planting, protection and management of urban trees

bring a wide range of benefits, which for the purpose of

this Policy will be grouped into the broad fields of health

and wellbeing, environment and economy.

Health and wellbeing

Urban trees reduce air and surface temperatures

through shading and evaporative cooling. This has

both local and community-wide benefits. Shaded

walls and rooftops may be cooled by up to 25ºC, and

the cool air spreads to lower the average temperature

in the immediate surrounds (refer to Figure 2 below).

6 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Monash University research confirm that, air

temperature in a small park can be up to 3ºC cooler

than the adjacent urban areas (Motazedian et al.,

2020). Such a difference in temperature has a major

impact on residents. Heatwaves already kill more

people in Australia than all other natural disasters

combined, and studies show that temperatures need

only exceed 29ºC for heat-induced morbidity and

anomalous health outcomes to increase in people

over 64 years of age.

As climate change repeatedly pushes new record

temperatures, sufficient canopy cover may ultimately

not only be a matter of improved liveability; it may

come to decide whether an area is at all liveable.

Urban vegetation can

reduce street-level

pollutants by up to 60%.

This is significant, because

air pollution is among the

top 11 factors driving the

most death and disability

in Australia, and bushfire

smoke pollution is likely to

increase as an effect of the

climate emergency

(Australia Health Data).

Green space inspires more active and healthy

lifestyles. A large-scale European study found that

people with the greatest access to green space were

more than three times as likely to frequently engage

in physical activity as those with the least access.

They were also 37% less likely to be overweight or

obese (Schipperijn et al., 2017).

These statistics hold major implications. Non

communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes

and heart disease account for 70% of all deaths in

Australia, and they are largely driven by unhealthy

lifestyles. A Victorian Department of Health research

paper concludes that “Municipalities showing

high levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes should

be encouraged to invest in appropriate green

infrastructure to facilitate exercise”. This advice is

particularly valid in Brimbank, where a number of

health metrics give ample reason for concern.

Table 1: Brimbank health statistics

Adults not meeting physical activity guidelines

49.8%

Adults overweight/obese

47.5%

Adults with ttpe 2 diabetes

7%

Adults not meeting recommended amounts

offruit and vegetables

48.6%

Adults with self reported health fair or poor

30.2%

Adults with high/veryhigh psychological distress

19.9%

Adults diagnosed with anxiety or depression

27.8%

Adults diagnosed with hypertension

29%

Research indicates that those living near quality

public open space are twice as likely to report low

psychological distress than those having no access

to quality public open space. Another study reported

a range of benefits of visiting green, open spaces.

These benefits include improvements in mood as

well as lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression

(Francis et al., 2012). Other evidence suggests that

exposure to nature from an early age is an indicator

of future educational success, health and wellbeing in

school children (Bento and Dias, 2017).

The urban forest does not

only provide greener,

healthier environments for

individual residents. It also

opens up for many of the

interactions that build

social cohesion across the

community, for example

involvement in “Friends of”

groups, planting days and

various public events. Social interactions in green

spaces tend to be relatively relaxed and friendly,

creating a strong sense of place and belonging. This

became particularly apparent during the COVID-19

lock-downs, and as the frequency of pandemics is

likely to increase, public green spaces may take on a

yet more central role in our society.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 7

Environment

Carbon offsets through planting is a solution

supported by the Victorian Government. Brimbank’s

current population of street trees alone sequester

around 860 tonnes of carbon annually and store

another 8,970 tonnes. The urban forest further

mitigates climate change by regulating the

temperature around the year. In summer, it keeps the

community cooler; in winter, it acts as a windbreak

that insulates buildings from heat loss, thus

decreasing the air conditioners and heaters.

Tree canopies intercept rainfall, and soil and root

systems help capture and filter stormwater before it

enters the local waterways, protecting freshwater

and marine ecosystems from effluents. By binding

the soil and storing large amounts of rainwater, urban

trees also decrease the rate of erosion and lessen our

reliance on artificial irrigation.

Adapting urban environments to create habitat for a

wide variety of insects and animals is becoming

increasingly important, and Brimbank is home to

over 20 vulnerable and threatened species of birds,

fish, reptiles and amphibians. A flourishing urban

forest is necessary to ensure their survival. Planting

a greater range of tree species also ensures greater

overall resilience to future climate fluctuations,

diseases and pests.

Economy

Trees reduce energy costs and support urban

sustainability. Cooling costs in summer are lower

in shady streets. Heating costs are reduced when

street trees provide a windbreak. A study conducted

in Sydney shows that increasing the vegetation

cover and planting street trees that provide shade on

both buildings and surrounding urban surfaces help

to save up to $400 on yearly electricity bills (Cool

Streets 2019). Other U.S. studies show that strategic

planting of shade trees generates twice as high

energy savings as what is needed to be cost-effective

(McPherson, 2010).

Decreasing erosive stormwater overflows

and capturing rainwater for irrigation, green

infrastructure provides integrated water

management at exceptionally low cost. Stormwater

run-off is reduced through evaporation of rainfall

intercepted by the canopy and transpiration, while

stormwater quality is improved by retention of

pollutants in soil and plant uptake (Stovin et al. 2008).

A local study conducted in Melbourne, also suggests

that installation of storm water control measures

such as tree pits can increase the volumetric

reduction of stormwater runoff by increasing the

proportion of evapotranspiration in the water balance

(Thom et al., 2020). New York City have calculated

that their green infrastructure costs 60% less

than traditional, grey infrastructure solutions (NYC

Environmental Protection 2011).

Studies show that green infrastructure can increase

the value of local properties by between $32,139 and

$57,991 (CRCWSC 2017). Effects in retail sales are

similarly positive, with consumers having been found

willing to pay 12% more for goods in precincts with

more street tree shading.

Just how much green infrastructure can contribute to

decreased healthcare costs is difficult to assess for

the simple reason that the flow-on benefits affect

every aspect of life for the residents in question.

Obesity alone today leads to combined costs

amounting to 3.1% of Australia’s GDP (OECD 2019).

Air pollution from the electricity sector alone leads

to estimated annual healthcare costs of up to $600

8 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

million; the corresponding figure for the transport

sector is $1.5 billion (DELWP 2018). Poor mental

health is estimated to cost the state $5.4 billion a

year. Seeing as how green infrastructure has major

positive effects on all these – and many other – health

issues, the associated savings in financial and human

costs are hard to overstate.

Brimbank’s

trees today

Brimbank features a markedly lower canopy

cover than most other local government areas in

Melbourne, but Council has been planting proactively

since 2007. More than 280,000 trees have been

planted, with the canopy cover increasing from

around 6.1% in 2014 to around 8.5% in 2018.

Brimbank has also taken on a leading role in the

award-winning regional initiative Greening The West.

Council is a leader in the delivery of urban greening,

and with the measures outlined in this Policy, the

30% canopy target is more achievable.

At 8.5%, Brimbank’s overall canopy cover is low

compared to most other areas of greater Melbourne.

It remains far below the industry standard of 30%

canopy cover for liveable cities. The canopy cover

however varies a lot across different suburbs of

our municipality. Industrial neighbourhoods such

as Derrimut and Brooklyn have less than 3% cover,

whereas the greenest suburb, Keilor, has over 15%.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 9

Council manages a diverse population of

approximately 350,000 trees in the public realm,

including streets, parks and reserves. Comprehensive

data has however only been collected for street trees,

recording species, height, canopy width, age, health

and useful life expectancy (years remaining at time

of analysis). Similar data for all other Council trees is

scheduled to be compiled over the next two years.

The comprehensive analysis of Brimbank street

trees nonetheless provides valuable insights into the

current status of our green infrastructure. Conducted

in 2018-2019, some of its key findings include:

• The total number of street trees is 102,703

• There are about 510 different species and cultivars

• 47% of all trees belong to the Myrtaceae family

• 85% of the trees are in good health; 96% are in

good or fair health

• 49% have a useful life expectancy of over 61 years

• 3% has a useful life expectancy of less than 10 years

• Street trees annually help avoid nearly 10

megalitres of stormwater runoff

• Street trees sequester a total of 8,970 tonnes of

carbon every year

• Street trees annually remove a total of 573 tonnes

of air pollution

• A single street tree costs about $500 to plant

and maintain for two years and returns around

100 times that amount in environmental benefits

when fully grown

• 87% of all street trees are yet to fully mature and

provide maximum benefits

• With trees increasing in value as they mature, the

current value of Brimbank’s street trees is $126 million

• Around 20% of all street trees are very young and

will dramatically increase in value over the coming

ten years

• There are 55,250 vacant planting sites for street trees

It should be noted that the above data relates to

current street trees, which represent a subset of the

total number of trees in Brimbank. The majority of

Council trees are found in parks and reserves, and

none of the above numbers account for trees on

private land. With 71% of all land in Brimbank being

private, trees managed by private owners represent

a significant share of the total number and are critical

to our achieving a healthy canopy cover across our

communities.

In February 2020, Council coordinated an online survey

of the community’s perception of Brimbank’s urban

forest. The outcome included the following key points:

• Over 250 residents participated in the survey,

indicating a great interest in the urban forest

among community members

• Respondents appreciate that the urban forest

cools local temperatures and improves the health

and wellbeing in the community

• Respondents are concerned that development

of private properties leads to increased loss of

canopy cover

• Having been made aware of the benefits of urban

greening, a majority of residents will consider

planting more and bigger trees

• Concerns relating to planting includes a lack of

space and expertise, a general fear of trees and

costs associated with planting and maintenance

• Respondents would like to receive more support

from council in greening their properties. Such

support is proposed to include expert advice

on suitable species and planting locations;

community workshops; tree-planting grants; free

trees and mulch; and incentives such as free green

waste collection and distribution to tree planters.

• Other than providing planting programs and

related support, the respondents would like

Council to:

– Protect existing trees on private land

– Promote greener developments

– Encourage key stakeholders such as

government authorities and owners of

large commercial and industrial precincts to

implement urban greening measures

– Introduce higher tree removal fees

– Support or legislate more effective tree

canopy cover in car parks

– Dedicate more council land to green leafy

spaces

– Educate the wider community on the benefits

of trees

– Involve the community in planting events

– Liaise with school to encourage children to

attend planting days

– Publicise lists of significant trees

• Enforce local laws

10 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

All survey and other feedback received from the

community has been taken into consideration in

developing the Brimbank Tree Policy and associated

Significant Tree Policy, and Council will continue to

consult and engage residents in relation to planting

days, street tree infill programs and major upgrades.

Vision

Creating a cool, green, healthy and resilient

municipality through an extensive urban forest.

Objectives

In order to realise the vision of the Brimbank Tree

Policy, Council has identified overarching objectives in

four broad areas: community engagement, greening

our city, improving urban tree management and

demonstrating best practice in tree maintenance.

The Brimbank Tree Policy aims to involve the wider

community in order to achieve protection and

expansion of the canopy cover on private as well as

public land.

As a direct action of the Urban Forest Strategy, the

Brimbank Tree Policy aims to achieve a minimum of

30% canopy cover by 2046. The target is to increase

the cover to 30% in road parks, streets and on private

land and, where possible, up to 50% in parks and

open spaces.

The Brimbank Tree Policy seeks to retain and protect

established trees with large canopies on both public

and private land.

With a preference for proactive maintenance,

the Brimbank Tree Policy aims to lead the way by

demonstrating and freely sharing advice on best practice.

Challenges and strategic

directions

Each objective comes with its own set of unique

and shared challenges. The main challenges for

each objective are covered below, together with the

strategic directions to overcome them.

Community

engagement

With 71% of all land being private, the successful

implementation of the Brimbank Tree Policy hinges

on engaging the community at large. Council needs

the support of residents and property owners, both

as constituents and as active participants in the

protection and expansion of the urban forest.

Community awareness

For all the informed opinions of survey respondents,

there is a perceived lack of insight into the functional

benefits of the urban forest, and understanding is

key to generating acceptance and support. Many

residents still view trees as a nuisance due to leaf

litter and the potential for branches to fall rather

than as natural assets, integral to human health and

wellbeing. However, once community awareness

increase, perceptions can change rapidly. There is a

growing appreciation of the tree planting being done

by Council as annually Council receives numerous

responses stating how grateful they are for trees

planted in streets or parks.

Updates and consultations

Council will endeavour to keep the public informed of

all ongoing and upcoming projects, where possible

inviting residents and property owners to take part,

such as selecting tree species and planting locations.

Table 2 outlines what continuous updates and

consultations will take place.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 11

Table 2: Council’s commitment in tree related activities and community engagement

Planting

Replacement of

removed trees

By Council staff. Trees will be

selected based on the existing

species and to increase canopy in

the street.

Letter to residents

with information on

selected species and

time of planting.

Removals done in this

calendar year to be

replaced in the following

year. Cut-off date is Dec

31st of each year.

Planting to take place

between April and

September each year.

Street tree infill

program

By residents where appropriate.

Two options will be selected by

Council staff and provided to

residents to choose from.

Letter to residents

requesting feedback on

proposed species when

appropriate.

In January for planting in

April – September.

In January for planting in

April – September.

Parks and local

reserves

By Council staff. Trees will be

selected based on the existing

species and to increase canopy in

the street.

Letter to residents with

information regarding

the park upgrade and

tree planting program.

Prior to park upgrade and

as part of community

consultation when

possible.

Tree planting season in

April – September.

Road

rehabilitation

program

By Council staff. Trees will be

selected based on the existing

species and to increase canopy in

the street.

Letter to residents with

information regarding

the road upgrade and

tree planting program.

Prior to road construction

and in January for

planting in April –

September.

Projects with

construction completed

would be planted in the

following planting season.

Requests from

residents – one

tree

By Council staff. It can be

discussed if resident is not

happy with species. Trees will be

selected based on the existing

species and to increase canopy in

the street.

Letter to residents with

information on species

and planting time

once the site has been

inspected.

Approximately 1 month

from initial request is

taken

Requests received prior

to January each year will

be considered for planting

in the following planting

season.

Request from

residents – whole

street

By Council staff. Budget and

planting numbers may be a

limiting factor.

Letter to residents with

information on species

and planting time

once the site has been

inspected.

Approximately 1 month

from initial request is

taken

Requests received prior

to January each year will

be considered for planting

in the following planting

season.

Requests from

residents –

parks and local

reserves

By Council staff

Phone call or email

to residents with

information on species

and planting time.

Approximately 1 month

from time of initial

request.

Requests received prior

to January each year will

be considered for planting

in the following planting

season

Removal

Visual Tree Assessment carried

out by Council arborist. Is basic

removal criteria met? ie., is the

tree dead, dying, diseased or

structurally dangerous?

Discuss on site

with complainant if

available. If not, leave

calling card with

enquiry details and

inspection findings.

Inspect within 5 working

days. If urgent, 1 day. In

emergencies, contact

should be made within

1 hour.

Works programmed via

Confirm Connect defect

raised maximum 60 days

depending on urgency.

Pruning

Visual Tree Assessment carried

out by Council arborist. Looking

at what the complaint is about

and considering any other non

conformance to Council, electrical

and VicRoads requirements.

Discuss on site

with complainant if

available. If not, leave

calling card with

enquiry details and

inspection findings.

Inspect within 5 working

days. If urgent, 1 day. In

emergencies, contact

should be made within

1 hour

Works programmed via

Confirm Connect defect

raised maximum 60 days

dependant on urgency.

12 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

The 30% canopy cover target cannot be achieved

without protecting existing trees on private

properties and planting new ones. Planting and

maintaining trees however require a degree of expert

knowledge and technical skills. Council will therefore

not only promote planting on private property, but

also provide individual community members and

groups with free reference material and access to

professional advice.

In order to ensure efficient management, maintenance

and urgent actions such as addressing tree vandalism,

Council will need to foster a sense of shared

responsibility across the community. All members of

the public will be encouraged to nominate significant

trees for protection and to report any relevant issues

directly to Council (for more information on this, see

section on tree management below).

It’s important for Council to understand the community’s

thinking, and this will evolve as the implementation

of the Brimbank Tree Policy progresses. Council will

conduct periodical surveys to gauge perceptions in the

community and adjust messaging and actions to best

suit the current situation.

Greening

our city

Brimbank is situated within the Victorian Volcanic

Plains bioregion, which predominantly features rocky

clay soil, and the climate emergency is having a major

impact here. Over the past 15-20 years, rainfall has

been lower than the historical average. Many areas

have averaged 400mm or less per year, which as a

standalone measure classifies their climate as semi

arid, the second driest type of climate after deserts.

Average temperatures are on the increase, as are

heatwaves: Brimbank now typically experiences five

or more days of over 40ºC every year.

Combined with a growing population, development

pressures and the continued degradation of wildlife

habitat, such factors pose a number of challenges

to establishing a flourishing urban forest. There are

however many tree species that have a proven track

record of not only surviving, but thriving in these

conditions.

Council continuously trials and monitors the viability

of different species in different local areas, and

cross-references with lists of species used in similar

locations elsewhere, such as Hume and Melton and

some South Australian councils that experience even

hotter and drier conditions than Brimbank. This work

has resulted in lists of preferred species for streets,

parks and open spaces (refer

Appendix 1

).

The Brimbank Planning Scheme, with its various

zones and overlays, is also relevant in this context. It

includes provisions for individual canopy trees with

specific height requirements in new developments

and contain general directions for the selection of

species to align with neighbourhood characteristics

as well as environmental, landscape and heritage

regulations. These provisions are however only

triggered when planning permits for development or

vegetation removal are lodged.

What sites are prioritised and what species are

ultimately recommended for a particular site,

whether public or private, will naturally depend on a

range of local factors such as existing conditions, soil,

sun and moisture. But it will also take into account

the many strategic considerations required in order to

create a flourishing, diverse and resilient urban forest

across the entire municipality. These include the

following key points.

Prioritising strategic locations

The Brimbank Tree Policy aims to prioritise sites

that provide maximum benefits to the health and

wellbeing of residents. Urban hot spots, socio

economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods and

heavily trafficked footpaths and parking lots are

examples of areas in urgent need of cooling. Areas

that are particularly prone to damage from extreme

weather events, such as heatwaves, drought and

flooding, will also be prioritised. These will eventually

be incorporated in a community-wide network of

urban trees.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 13

Ensuring resilience

Tree species vary in their susceptibility to climate

fluctuations as well as to different pests and

diseases. A relatively wide range of species is

therefore required to ensure that the population as

a whole remains resilient to future threats. Native

species from the Myrtaceae family, predominantly

various species of eucalyptus trees, will however

account for up to 50% of the total number of trees.

This is because these species have proven themselves

to be exceptionally successful in the Brimbank area,

and because they provide vital food and habitat for

native wildlife.

Growth rates and life spans vary greatly between

different species. The Brimbank Tree Policy aims

to select species that will ensure a staggered

generational turnover, so that no neighbourhood will

lose too much of its canopy cover at any one time.

Wildlife populations, waterways and grasslands

require special considerations. Council’s Biodiversity

Strategy and Habitat Connectivity Plan will dictate

plant selection within habitat corridors and

conservation areas, with local indigenous species

used adjacent to waterways and grasslands.

Planting on private land

As previously mentioned, with 71% of all land in the

municipality being private, ensuring that property

owners support the Brimbank Tree Policy is critical to

its success. This is especially so given the increased

demand for subdivision and development. Since

2015, canopy trees are a requirement in the front and

back yards of new infill developments, but in order to

achieve 30% canopy cover, we need to promote tree

planting on all suitable existing properties.

It’s important that plantings on private land are

successful, so that the trees grow to full maturity and

provide maximum benefits. To encourage and support

property owners, Council will supply tube stock trees

and fact sheets as well as complimentary greening

workshops and access to professional advice.

Planting street trees

Having green parks and open spaces connected

through green streets will help improve urban

ventilation, allowing for cooler air to penetrate

more densely built areas. In addition to increasing

property values and retail expenditure, street trees

also provide excellent opportunities for the capture,

filtering and usage of stormwater. The creation of

green streets can further limit the negative effects

of urban densification and park fragmentation,

allowing wildlife to disperse or move between

different locations with similar habitats. This is how

a biodiverse urban forest is created, enhancing

liveability for both humans and animals.

Council currently plants approximately 3,500 semi

mature trees in streets each year with a survival rate

of 90%. Council has identified that there are around

55,000 vacant sites to fill.

Council will be looking at other planting opportunities

and external funding to assist in filling the vacant

sites as soon as possible. Council will also proactively

explore the potential of other planting sites in the

streetscape, such as in roundabouts and cul-de-sacs.

before

after

14 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Using natural water

sources for irrigation

is key to maintaining

a flourishing urban

forest, and water

sensitive urban

design such as tree

pits and raingardens

can help reduce

stormwater flooding

and remove

pollutants before

the runoff reaches

our waterways.

Street tree species

will be selected to, where appropriate, facilitate the

use of tree pits, and Council will encourage property

owners to install small-scale swales and raingardens.

Council aims to maximise the use of water-sensitive

urban design in the future and will continue to

support and trial innovative designs in this field. Every

year, Council upgrades around 20 roads and streets

as part of the Road Rehabilitation Program. While

reinstalling all kerbs and channels in these projects,

new passive irrigation systems will be considered to

provide additional water for newly planted trees. Each

site is unique, so trials of different systems will be

carried out every year to identify the most successful

methods. The development of a Creating Better

Streets Strategy will investigate this further.

Traditional street design relies on soil being heavily

compacted to provide load-bearing for the sidewalk,

road and other sealed surfaces. Such dense soil can

however make it difficult for larger trees to establish

a sufficient root system, limiting their ability to grow

and thrive.

A relatively new advent, structural soils are a mix of

different components – generally clay loam, crushed

stone and hydrogel – that facilitate root penetration

without compromising the load-bearing standards of

pavement and other sealed surfaces. Structural soils

may be used to promote better tree health and to

grow larger trees in smaller nature strips. Council will

continue exploring the potential of structural soils to

best meet Brimbank’s needs.

Planting in parks and open

spaces

Parks and open spaces are important meeting places

and key to encouraging and facilitating a healthy and

active lifestyle. They also provide excellent testing

grounds for trialling the viability of different species,

and they offer the right conditions for larger trees,

such as cedars and pines, which may live for hundreds

of years and grow more than 30 metres tall.

Initiatives such as Creating Better Parks Policy and

Plan and Greening The West have seen numerous

trees planted in recent years, transforming a great

number of parks into greener, shadier and more

attractive spaces. Council will continue this work as

part of the Brimbank Tree Policy, and it’s expected

that many parks will have an emerging framework of

at least 30% canopy cover within ten years.

Improving

urban tree

management

To date, management of the urban forest has to some

extent treated individual trees as interchangeable

units. Approved removal of a tree on public land

by a property owner or developer has for example

incurred a set replacement fee of $500. But this

does not at all reflect the true value of the tree,

which depends on a wide range of factors, including

genetical significance, current health and useful

life expectancy as well as historical, cultural and

aesthetic considerations.

One particularly noteworthy factor is that

of ecological services, because it makes the

management of trees and other green infrastructure

distinctly different from the management of grey

infrastructure assets, such as pavement, sewers and

power grids. Whilst the value of grey infrastructure

depreciates over time, green infrastructure increases

in value. Fully mature trees provide ecological services

that make them much more valuable than young or

semi-mature trees. Council will therefore prioritise

the protection and maintenance of established trees

with large canopies on both public and private land.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 15

With a view to ensure a thriving urban forest as a

whole, the Brimbank Tree Policy includes a number of

measures to better manage urban trees. Key aspects

of these measures are outlined below.

As new species are introduced in line with the Urban

Forest Strategy, the urban forest will change over

time. Understanding how it develops is fundamental

to making strategic decisions on future planting and

allocating sufficient resources to tree services. Council

therefore undertakes regular tree surveys.

Table 3: Tree inspection cycles

Major Roads (Dept. of Transport)

2 years

All other Roads

5 years

Town Centres

1 year

Parks and Open Space (High traffic

Areas and Trees within the vicinity of

playgrounds)

1 year

Parks and Open Space

5 years

Community Centres and Kindergartens

1 year

Leisure Centres

1 year

Significant Trees

1 year

A tree survey begins with a visual inspection. If this

reveals a defect in the tree, the visual inspection will be

followed by a quantified risk assessment, which gauges

the risk of harm from tree failure. Further investigations

may include testing by external contractors to measure

the strength of the timber and rate of decay.

Trees will only be removed if they are deemed

dead, diseased, dying or dangerous. Should there

be disagreements on Council’s assessment, an

independent arborist will be consulted. The finding

of the independent arborist will then be deemed final

and any actions recommended will be implemented.

Trees on private land

To protect established trees on private land, a draft

Significant Tree Policy, in line with the Brimbank

Local Law 2018, has been developed for Council’s

consideration that will provide direction for the

establishment of a Significant Tree Protection

Register (Register). A tree on private land will be

included on the Register if it meets any of these

criteria:

• A trunk diameter, measured at breast height,

of 50 centimetres or more

• A height of 15 metres or more

• Canopy cover of 100 square metres or more

Additionally, irrespective of the above criteria,

a tree may be included in the Significant Tree

Protection Register if it meets any of the

relevant requirements set out by the National

Trust (Table 4). These requirements include

aspects such as aesthetical, historical, cultural

and spiritual significance. A tree that, for

example, was planted in memory of a person

or event might therefore be included in the

Significant Tree Register on request.

16 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Table 4: Criteria for significant trees established based on National Trust criteria

Scientific

Horticultural or genetic value

Important source of seed or propagating stock

Particularly resistant to disease or exposure

Species or variety that is rare or of a very localised distribution

Remnant native vegetation

Outstanding for its size

Size refers to height, trunk

circumference or canopy spread

An outstanding example of the species

Outstanding habitat value

Social

Unique location or context

Contribution to landscape

Associated with Aboriginal activities

Important landmark

Spiritual and religious associations

Contemporary association with the community

Historic

Forms part of an historic park, garden or town

Commemorative plantings

May include memorial or ceremonial

plantings such as Avenues of

Honour

Associated with an important event

Associated with an important person, group or institution

Aesthetic

A really great looking tree

Exhibits curious growth form or unusual physical features

Features may be naturally occurring,

resulting from natural events

(such as lightning strike) or human

intervention

Is a better than average example of its species, or a tree in its location

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 17

Subject to the adoption by Council of a Significant

Tree Policy, Council officers will develop the Register,

based on significant tree criteria, and members of

the public will also be encouraged to nominate trees

that they consider qualify as per either of the above

criteria by contacting Council.

All trees listed in the Significant Tree Protection

Register will be protected by Local Law under the

Significant Tree Policy as follows.

– Local Law

In 2018 Council updated the General Local Law and it

included Clause 9 as follows:

A Local Law permit will be required before pruning

or removing a significant tree. Any work carried

out within 2.0 metres of a significant tree will also

require a special permit, in addition to any Planning or

Building Permit that may be required.

The owner or owners of land upon which a significant

tree is illegally pruned, removed or damaged will be

considered guilty of an offence unless they can prove

that the interference was carried out by another

party without their knowledge.

In some instances, trees are poisoned by residents

in the hope that this will kill the tree and force its

removal. The signs of poisoning are usually quite

clear, as poisoned trees die in a particular way that is

different from general tree decline. Other evidence

that a tree has been poisoned include cuts or holes.

Any work on or within 2.0 metres of a significant

tree on private land requires a Local Law tree works

permit, the application requirements for which are set

out in the below table.

Tree is located

on your

property

Owner of

property

• Proof of property

ownership (eg. Copy of

rates notice)

• Proof of owner’s identity

(eg. Copy of driver

licence)

Tree is located

on common

land managed

by Owners

Corporation

Owners

Corporation

Manager

A letter of authorisation

from the Owners

Corporation Manager,

supporting the proposed

tree works

Tree is located

on land owned

by a company

Company

director

Proof of director’s identity

(eg. Copy of ASIC company

extract and copy of their

driver licence)

Tree is

located on a

neighbouring

property

The tree

owner or the

neighbouring

property owner

• Proof of property

ownership (eg. Copy of

rates notice)

• Proof of owner’s identity

(eg. Copy of driver

licence)

Applications for tree removals must always be lodged

by the property owner. Furthermore, builders and

developers are required to protect all retained trees

in accordance with Council’s Tree Protection Zone

regulations.

Landowners seeking a Local Law tree permit for

any trees works will be able to download a form on

Council’s website where instructions will be provided

to assist in completing the form.

For further information on significant trees on private

land, refer to the draft Significant Tree Policy.

18 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Trees on public land

Around 1,000 public trees have been identified as

significant as per the National Trust criteria, and it

is expected that this number will increase greatly as

Council inventories all trees in parks and open spaces

over the next couple of years.

Significant public trees are subject to a proactive

inspection program, with independent arborists

assessing the trees’ condition, estimating remaining

lifespans and making maintenance recommendations.

These trees are also covered by a succession-planting

scheme to ensure that, when a significant tree

eventually dies, others are already growing to lessen

the impact of its removal.

All public trees in streets, parks, reserves and open

spaces are covered by Council’s Tree Protection

Guidelines. Interfering with a public tree, whether it

is deemed significant or not, is illegal. This includes

any prohibited activity carried out within the Tree

Protection Zone that surrounds every public tree.

Council will review designs for all works Council or

otherwise, that impact on trees and then supervise

the works to ensure that all tree protection

conditions are complied with prior to and during

construction works.

For more information on the Tree Protection Zone,

please see

Appendix 2

.

Trees are occasionally vandalised through illegal

pruning or snapping of branches. If possible,

Council will prune vandalised trees to preserve the

integrity of the tree. If the vandalism compromises

the structure of the tree, it will be removed and

replaced at the next planting season.

If Council believes that a tree has been poisoned,

the tree will be scheduled for removal or retained

for wildlife habitat. The tree will in either case not

be removed entirely. A sizeable trunk will remain

in the ground, to which Council will attach a large

sign indicating that the tree has been poisoned

and providing an estimate of its value to the

community. The sign will remain in place for a

period of no less than six months, and a fine may

be issued.

Valuation and tree removal fees

What the value of environmental services that an

individual tree provides, such as carbon sequestration

and air filtering, can be calculated using the industry

standard tool i-Tree Eco. This model also provides a

dollar figure for how much it would cost to replace

the tree and regrow a new one to a similar size and

function; a figure referred to as “structural value”.

Brimbank’s population of 102,703 street trees have

been audited this way, generating the following data:

• The street trees annually remove 573 tonnes of

air pollution;

• store 8,970 tonnes of carbon;

• sequester 858.7 tonnes of carbon;

• produce 2,300 tonnes of oxygen; and

• help absorb nearly 1M litres of stormwater runoff

The total structural value of Brimbank’s street trees is

estimated at $126 million. Since 90% of the population

is young or semi-mature, this figure (equating to an

average structural value of around $1,225 per tree) will

increase manifold over coming years.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 19

Below are the figures for two mature trees for

reference.

Tree species: Eucalyptus cladocalyx

• Height: 20.0 m

• Canopy width: 10.0 m

• DBH (Diameter at Breast

Height): 114.0 cm

• Age: Maturing

• Health condition: Good

• Useful life expectancy:

More than 61 years

• Structural Value:

$40,719.95

• Stores 4,388.4 kg of Carbon each year

• Removes 1016.8 g of air pollutions annually

Tree species: Lephostemon confertus

• Height: 18.0 m

• Canopy width: 8.0 m

• DBH (Diameter at

Breast Height): 70.0 cm

• Age: Maturing

• Health condition: Good.

• Useful life expectancy:

More than 61 years

• Structural Value:

$15,970.85

• Stores 1,461.3 kg of Carbon each year

• Removes 373.7 g of air pollution annually

It should further be noted that the estimated value

of $126 million is for street trees only; it does not

include the value of trees in parks and open spaces,

nor the value of all the trees on private property.

A new tree removal fee is proposed, which includes

removal and reinstatement costs, plus the amenity

and ecological services values of trees. This tree

valuation formula is an established, industry-based

standard. Depending on a range of factors, it may

lead to a tree removal fee that is higher or lower than

the structural value outlined above. For the details of

this formula, refer Appendix 3: Tree Evaluation.

In general, Council does not support the removal of

any healthy, established street tree to accommodate

a driveway crossover or an extra unit. If a tree on

public land must be removed, then the new tree

removal fee will be applied. Payment of the fee is

required prior to removal.

All fees collected will be used to plant more trees in

the immediate area.

Trees conflicting with private

interests

The demand for subdivision and development is

leading to an increase in tree removal requests

and a decrease in land available for future planting.

Trees planted in accordance with the new legal

requirements for infill developments will go some

way to offset this, but they will take a long time to

reach maturity and start providing the ecological

services once offered by removed trees. It is therefore

Council’s preference to retain and protect established

trees with large canopies.

The removal of any tree included in the Significant

Tree Protection Register will require a Local Law

permit. Council is however disinclined to grant such

permits other than in exceptional circumstances. As a

rule, architects and developers will be encouraged to

find creative solutions to retain established trees.

In cases where Council has approved the removal of a

street tree, the applicant has to pay Council the value

of that tree prior to removing the tree.

20 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Any work carried out near a public tree or any tree

listed in the Significant Tree Protection Register must

also adhere to Tree Protection Zone regulations (see

Appendix 2

).

Furthermore, the creation of new carparks in nature

strips will now require a review to ensure that no

tree-planting space is removed.

Trees sometimes cause damage to pavement, vehicle

crossovers, buildings and infrastructure, and Council

receives many requests for trees to be removed due

to nuisances such as leaf litter in gutters or excessive

bird droppings. With a view to find a design solution

to the problem, Council will liaise with the concerned

residents and property owners.

Any claims of public trees causing damage to

private property will be assessed by Council’s Risk

Management Unit. Such claims may involve root

damage to crossovers, fences or private dwellings,

and each case will be assessed on its own merits. If a

public tree is proven to have caused damage, Council

will take action to prevent further issues and may also

consider contributing to the cost of repairs.

Felling a tree will only be considered as a last resort,

when all other options have been assessed.

Demonstrating

best practice

in tree

maintenance

To reach the target of 30% canopy cover by 2046, the

Brimbank Tree Policy relies on private property owners

being successful in planting, growing and maintaining

a range of different tree species. Advice on species

selection and planting is consequently important and

will be provided as outlined above. It is however equally

important that property owners are aware of best

practice tree maintenance. A number of destructive

and dangerous methods are still all too common, and

it’s vital that Council leads the way by continuously

consulting with property owners and showcasing

best-practice maintenance of all public trees.

The following are key tree maintenance tasks carried

out by Council:

• Maintain computerised database of trees

throughout the municipality detailing the location,

species and history of each tree.

• To visually inspect all trees to retain trees,

identifying changes to trees, safety hazards and

recommending how these should be addressed.

• To identify works to trees and oversee works via

planned and reactive work programs.

• To provide support and advice relating to tree

matters to other Council departments

• To manage complaints and enquiries relating to

trees ensuring the health and longevity of the

tree are at the forefront of decision making.

• To consult with the community on tree related

matters

• To assess the quality of work undertaken to trees

by internal and external arboriculture providers

• To manage Council’s risk relating to trees

• To ensure that all tree maintenance is carried out

in adherence with current legislation, including

permitted clearing regulations Clause 52.1.

Maintenance Programs

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 21

Proactive maintenance aims to prevent issues from

arising rather than having to address more or less

urgent existing issues. Council’s preferred method,

it helps ensure the long-term viability of the tree in

line with current arboriculture standards. Proactive

maintenance also helps reduce the risk of damage

to surrounding infrastructure and minimises the risk

of tree failure, enabling defects to be identified and

rectified before becoming a danger to the public.

Council engages tree contractors to undertake all

proactive maintenance work. A monthly schedule of

works is provided to individual contractors, who must

complete them within the given timeframes.

Reactive maintenance works are carried out in

response to an enquiry made by a member of the

public. A resident might for instance report damage

to a tree, extraordinary growth or a conflict with

infrastructure that the resident deems to be unsafe.

Council will inspect all trees related to such enquiries.

If non-urgent maintenance is required, this will be

included in the schedule of works of a tree contractor,

to be completed within three months of inspection.

Should the tree require work sooner, this will be

undertaken within a specified timeframe or referred

for immediate action.

Any emergency work requested during normal

working hours will be directed to Council for action.

The tree will be assessed and given priority for

maintenance works as appropriate.

Out-of-hours calls are directed to Council’s Out

of Hours Service. If deemed an emergency, an

Emergency Duty Officer will then allocate works to

remove any danger immediately.

Out-of-hours emergency work will only aim to

make affected trees and surrounds safe; any urgent

maintenance will be carried out when working

hours resume.

Maintenance work conducted

by Council

Different types of pruning represent the majority

of all maintenance works conducted by council.

Undertaken in accordance with AS 4373:2007,

standard pruning methods include the following.

This is where lower branches are pruned to clear

space underneath the tree, most commonly for cars

or pedestrians.

Crown reduction involves pruning of the outermost

edges of the crown. It may alleviate foliage

encroachment over highways, building or street

lighting. It also reduces the drag, decreasing the

risk of wind damage. Although it reduces the size of

the crown, this method should however retain the

natural, balanced outline of the tree.

To maintain healthy growth, this pruning should

not remove more than 30% of the crown. It should

also be noted that different tree species and even

individual trees of the same species can vary in their

response to crown thinning. Some trees may respond

by producing vigorous straight growth, which then

will require cyclical maintenance. Crown reduction is

therefore usually only appropriate when the tree’s

behaviour already is known, or when the tree has

been proven to be implicated in an insurance claim

related to subsidence or other structural damage.

This method involves the even removal of small

branches throughout the canopy of a tree. It reduces

the overall density of the crown, letting more light

and wind through the canopy. Since it retains the

original outline of the crown, it can be hard to spot

the impact of this kind of pruning work. It’s usually

specified as a percentage of the crown, and no more

than 30% will be pruned.

Removing branches or parts of branches that have

died or become weak or diseased is called dead

wooding. It’s an important part of the maintenance

regimen, because such wood has the potential to

cause damage if left on the tree.

22 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Removed dead wood is valuable to wildlife. If safe

to do so, it should be left on site as habitat logs. In

habitat corridors and other conservation areas, trees

with significant dead wood, or even entire dead trees,

may be left for habitat purposes.

Young immature trees can benefit from formative

pruning, which removes crossing or rubbing branches

and weak forks to encourage a good natural shape.

This can reduce subsequent health issues and the

need for major pruning when the tree has matured.

If a tree is considered dead, dying, diseased or

dangerous, Council will remove it. The stump will

initially be left in the ground to be assessed for signs

of regrowth. In some cases, the stump may need

to be poisoned to prevent regrowth. Once Council

officers are satisfied that there is no regrowth, the

stump will be removed.

Healthy trees do occasionally need to be removed.

A tree or group of trees might for instance interfere

with a neighbouring tree or group of trees, preventing

healthy development of either. In such cases, the more

desirable tree or group of trees will be preserved.

Another reason for the removal of a healthy tree can

be that it is substantially contributing to damage to

public or private property.

In the above scenarios, tree removal will only be

considered as a last resort, after all other options

have been considered.

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 23

Other types of tree

maintenance work

Trees are susceptible to pests and disease. If either is

discovered, Council will undertake the recommended

treatment. Signs will be placed on the tree to advise

the public of the treatment applied and the reason

for its use.

To redirect roots away from surrounding

infrastructure, a root barrier may be installed. In most

cases, this is done to reduce the impact of council

trees on private property.

Root pruning is another method for preventing

damage to infrastructure or to allow for footings to be

constructed. This kind of pruning will only be carried

out if it does not cause any structural damage to the

tree, and only under the supervision of a qualified

arborist.

Structurally weak trees that are vulnerable to damage

from winds or their own weight may be supported

with cable and bracing. This is done to reduce the

risk of structural failure and ultimate destruction of

the tree. However, this method is not suitable for all

trees, and it is generally only applied on significant

trees, when the loss of the tree or a branch would

have a major impact on the landscape.

Branches overhanging a property line may be pruned

by Council, but only up to four metres over the property

line. As per the below, Council does not support the

wholesale pruning of an entire side of a tree.

Maintenance work not

carried out by Council

The following maintenance works are deemed

unsuitable and will not be considered by Council.

Reducing the height of a tree by lopping off the main

trunk is no longer recommended practice. It destroys

the structure of the tree, creating a dangerous

situation where the tree may ultimately die and

topple.

The practice of cutting all branches on one side

of a tree will never be undertaken. It makes trees

unbalanced and prone to failing.

Council receives many requests to undertake tree

works for reasons of convenience. Any works resulting

from such requests are however coincidental; they

are carried out because they are of benefit to the tree

rather than as a result of the customer enquiry.

Tree works will not be undertaken to address any of

the following issues:

• Tree blocking light or creating shade

• Tree blocking solar panels from working effectively

• Interference with television or satellite dish

reception

• Nuisance from insects or other non-hazardous

wildlife

• Droppings from roosting birds

• Leaf, fruit, nut, flower or seed fall

• Leaves dropping into gutters or pools

• Pollen

• Tree is considered to be too large by the

complainant

How to get involved

All community members are encouraged to get

involved in the creation of Brimbank’s thriving urban

forest. For further advice, please contact Council by -

Phone:

(03) 9249 4000

or

Email:

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

24 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Actions

Objective 1: Community education and engagement

• Run three community information sessions about benefits of trees each year

• Run two “Greening the Park” Programs with schools each year

• Run two “Greening the Street” Projects each year

• Run one “Greening Champions” Programs each year

Short (1-3 years)

Medium (4-7 years)

Long (8-10 years

Ongoing

Developing graphical and easy-to-read tree

information flyers and thank you cards

Monitoring confirm requests

Short

Urban Design

Identifying areas with the highest request for

tree removals and tree vandalism and targeting

those areas for community information sessions

and flyer distributions

• Audit of tree data

• Monitoring confirm requests

Ongoing

• Urban Design

• Assets & Property

Services

Continuing give-aways of tube stock plants at

parks openings

Surveys to be conducted

every two years

Ongoing

Urban Design

Consulting with community, seeking feedback

regarding Council tree-planting programs

Ongoing

Urban Design

Running tree-related programs such as Greening

the Street and Greening Champions annually

Ongoing

Urban Design

Continue community engagement and

connection to the urban forest

• Council media release and

advertising campaigns

• Updating the website

• Organising events

Short and ongoing • Urban Design

• Media and

Communications

Encouraging community groups

Support and providing funds for

community greening activities.

Short and ongoing Urban Design

Encouraging tree-planting in front and

backyards

• Develop online guidelines for

greening front and backyards

• Provide trees to residents in

greening projects

Short

Urban Design

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 25

Objective 2: Greening our city

• Increase the tree canopy cover to achieve 30% in road reserves and to 50% in parks by 2046

• Maintain and protect existing trees

• Grow a diverse, resilient urban forest

Continuing with the current tree

planting program and increasing the

number of planting to reach the target

for each year

• Audit of tree data

• LIDAR data to be captured every

two years

Long

Urban Design

Prioritising tree planting in identified

socio-economically disadvantaged areas

and hot spots

Urban heat-mapping

Medium

Urban Design

Updating Significant Tree Data for public

land

Tree audit

Short and ongoing Parks Services

Developing tree Planting and Protection

guidelines for developers

Guidelines to be completed

Short

Parks Services

Establishing green corridors between

major activity areas

Completion of green boulevards

tree planting

Medium

Urban Design

Establishing a Green Infrastructure

working group to regularly meet to

discuss tree management issues and

opportunities for urban trees

One meeting to be conducted

every two months

Ongoing

• Urban Design

• Parks Services

• Environment

• City Planning

• Engineering

Adopting and optimising WSUD and

passive irrigation systems in road

projects where appropriate

Opportunities and achievements

to be discussed in IWMT meetings

Ongoing

Integrated Water

Management team

Protecting Council’s urban

forest assets

Train and authorise relevant staff Short and ongoing • Engineering

• City Planning

• Urban Design

• Parks Services

26 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Objective 3: Improving tree management

• Secure an up-to-date street tree data set

• Protect significant trees on public and private land

Auditing parks and street trees • Full audit of tree data every five years

Long

• Parks Services

• LIDAR data to be captured every two years

• Urban Design

• All trees inspected and required works raised

every 1-5 years depending on location of tree

Ongoing

• Parks Services

Updating tree removal fees

Inform relevant staff and community

Short

Urban Design

Protecting Significant Trees on

Council Land

Development of Significant Tree Management

Plan

Short

Parks Services

Continuing the .development of the

Significant Tree Register for private

land

LiDAR and field study

Ongoing

Urban Design

Requesting landscape bond for

the protection of significant

trees on private land undergoing

development

Landscape and tree inspection

Short

• City Planning

• Strategic Planning

• Urban Design

Providing tree protection zone

information to developers as part of

planning permit process

Inform relevant staff

Short

Urban Design

Providing tree protection zone

information to contractors and

other authorities as part of Council

civil works

Inform relevant staff

Short

• Urban Design

• Engineering

Objective 4: Demonstrating Best Practice in Tree Maintenance

• Maintain a healthy urban forest

Assessing trees for condition as

well as risk

Tree inspection staff trained in QTRA method Short

Parks Services

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 27

Appendix 1:

Preferred List of Species

Street trees

Name

Nature Strip Location Foliage Dimensions

Botanical Name

Common Name

Native  

Weeping Myall

6 6

Willow Myrtle

6 6

Dwarf Apple

6

5

Bottle Brush

4 4

White Bottle Brush

6

3

Little Spotty

6

5

Snow in Summer

6

5

Water Gum

5 4

Exotic

Irish Strawberry

6

5

Crepe Myrtle

5

3

Olive Tree

6 6

Red-Leaf Photinia

5

5

Black Cherry Plum

5 4

Ornamental Pear

6

5

Medium Trees 6m - 10m Native

Drooping Sheoak

8 4

Flame Tree

10 6

Yellow Bloodwood

9

7

Tuckeroo Tree

8 6

Australian Willow

9 8

Native Frangipani

8 6

Brush Box

10 8

White Cedar

10 8

28 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Street trees continued

Name

Nature Strip Location Foliage Dimensions

Botanical Name

Common Name

Medium Trees 6m - 10m Exotic

Maple

8 6

Claret Ash

10 8

Urbanite/Cimmaron

10 8

Honey Locust

10 10

Jacaranda

8 8

Golden Rain Tree

8 8

Chinese Pistachio

8 8

Manchurian Pear

8 8

Chinese Elm

10 10

Golden Elm

10 10

Japanese Elm

10 8

Large Trees >10m Native

Smooth-barked Apple

15 10

Lemon-scented Gum

15 10

Spotted Gum

18 10

Brittle Gum

15 10

Yellow Box

15 10

Narrow Leaved Peppermint

15 8

Red Box

12 8

White Gum

12 8

Iron Bark

15 10

Silky Oak

16 8

Large Trees >10m Exotic

Cypress Tree

20 8

Liquidambar

12 6

London Plane Tree

12 10

Pin Oak

15 8

English Oak

12 10

Dutch Elm

18 12

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 29

Parks trees

Name

Foliage

Dimensions

Botanical Name

Common Name

Small Trees <6m Native

Willow Myrtle

6

6

Gum Tree

4

3

Bottle Brush

4

4

White Bottle Brush

6

3

Small Trees <6m Exotic

Crepe Myrtle

5

3

Black Cherry Plum

5

4

Ornamental Pear

6

5

Medium Trees 6m-10m Native

Lightwood

8

4

Black Sheoak

8

4

Drooping Sheoak

8

4

Buloke

10

5

Coastal Banksia

8

4

Flame Tree

Semi Deciduous

10

6

Kurrajong

10

6

Yellow Bloodwood

9

7

Green Mallee

8

8

Australian Willow

9

8

Native Frangipani

8

6

White Cedar

Semi Deciduous

10

8

Medium Trees 6m-10m Exotic

Carob Tree

10

8

Claret Ash

10

8

Urbanite/Cimmaron

10

8

Honey Locust

10

10

Jacaranda

8

8

Chinese Pistachio

8

8

Manchurian Pear

8

8

Chinese Elm

10

10

Golden Elm

10

10

Japanese Elm

10

8

30 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Parks trees continued

Name

Foliage

Dimensions

Botanical Name

Common Name

Large Trees 10m-18m Native

Smooth-barked Apple

15

10

Lemon-scented Gum

15

10

Spotted Gum

18

10

River Red Gum

15

12

Flowering Yellow Gum

15

12

Brittle Gum

15

10

Yellow Box

15

10

Red Box

12

8

White Gum

12

8

Iron Bark

15

10

Hill’s Weeping Fig

12

10

Silky Oak

16

8

Large Trees 10m-18m Exotic

Hackberry

12

8

Liquidambar

12

6

Italian Stone Pine

15

12

Aleppo Pine

15

8

London Plane Tree

12

10

Simon Poplar

12

6

Algerian Oak

15

12

Holly Oak

12

10

Pin Oak

15

8

English Oak

12

10

Dutch Elm

18

12

Very Large Trees >18m Native

Norfolk Island Pine

25

10

Sugar Gum

30

15

Moreton Bay Fig

20

20

Very Large Trees >18m Exotic

Cypress Tree

20

8

Canary Island Pine

30

10

Blue Cedar

25

12

Himalayan Cedar

25

12

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 31

Appendix 2:

Tree Protection

Zone

Brimbank City Council follows industry based

standards for Tree Protection Zone guidelines.

The following content is a direct exert from:

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

community/greening-the-city/tree-protection

management/Pages/tree-protection-policy.aspx

1. A Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) shall be established

for the duration of any works near a tree.

2. The tree protection

distance method

outlined in the

current Australian

Standard will

be used for the

allocation of tree

protection zones.

The TPZ for

individual trees is

calculated based

on trunk (stem)

diameter (DBH),

measured at 1.4

metres up from

ground level. The

radius of the TPZ

is calculated by

multiplying the tree’s DBH by 12. For example; a

tree with 40cm DBH requires a TPZ of 4.8 metres.

The method provides a TPZ that addresses both

tree stability and growth requirements. TPZ

distances are measured as a radius from the

centre of the trunk at ground level.

3. The Council’s arborist must approve any

modification to a tree protection zone

10cm

1.2m

20cm

2.4m

40cm

4.8m

75cm

9m

100cm

12m

• The following are not permitted within a tree

protection zone:

• Mechanical excavation on the road, footpath or

any public space

• Stockpiling of building materials, debris or soil

• Vehicular traffic except on existing paved surfaces

• Installation of service pits or hatches

• Vehicular crossings

• Severing of tree roots with a diameter greater

than 30mm

• Alteration of soil levels and structure

32 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

Appendix 3:

Tree Valuation

The tree valuation formula is an established, industry

based standard.

The following content is a direct exert from:

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

community/greening-the-city/tree-protection

management/Pages/tree-protection-policy.aspx

Where a tree removal is approved by Council’s arborist

in relation to a development, the associated cost of

the tree and its removal shall be paid by the property

owner or representative prior to the removal.

The costs associated with removal of a public tree

include:

A – Removal Costs

Amounting to the fees incurred by

Council for physically removing the tree

B – Amenity Value

Calculated in accordance with Council’s

Amenity Formula.

C – Ecological

Services Value

Calculated in accordance with the i-Tree

valuation tool

D – Reinstatement

Costs

Calculated in accordance with the

greening required to replace the loss to

the landscape incurred by the removal.

Costs will be based on the current costs of tree

removal. It includes the physical removal of the tree

and the stump.

The following formula has been prepared to assist

with calculating the monetary amenity value of a

tree in Brimbank. When young trees with a 6cm trunk

diameter or less will be replaced by another tree,

there will be no amenity value charge. The Amenity

Value Formula used follows the method used by

City of Melbourne which has been derived from

the formula (by Dr.Peter Yau, 1990) of the Maurer

Hoffman Formula. For more details please visit:

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

community/greening-the-city/tree-protection

management/Pages/tree-protection-policy.aspx

Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021 33

Read through the following formula definitions to calculate the tree amenity value:

The basic monetary value of a tree is determined by matching the trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) with

its corresponding base value:

6

$309.92

50

$21,522.33

100

$ 86,089.33

8

$550.98

55

$26,042.03

105

$ 94,913.49

10

$860.89

60

$30,992.16

110

$104,168.09

15

$1,937.00

65

$36,372.74

115

$113,853.14

20

$3,443.57

70

$42,183.77

120

$123,968.63

25

$5,380.58

75

$48,425.25

125

$134,514.58

30

$7,748.04

80

$55,097.17

130

$145,490.97

35

$10,545.94

85

$62,199.54

135

$156,897.81

40

$13,774.29

90

$69,732.35

140

$168,735.09

45

$17,433.09

95

$77,695.62

145

$181,002.82

Base Value

A tree is assessed according to its known natural life span and its rate of growth in a particular environment. For

example, a long-lived tree will be scored higher than a short-lived tree. Significant features to the tree will also

modify how the tree is scored. Judgment regarding species factor must be made by a qualified Arborist.

1

• trees of short life span (less than 50 years)

• fast growth rate

0.5

2

• trees of short life span (less than 50 years)

• slow growth rate

0.6

3

• trees of medium life span (50 -150 years)

• fast growth rate

0.7

4

• trees of medium life span

• (50 - 150 years)

• slow growth rate

0.8

5

• trees of long life span (more than 150 years)

• fast growth rate

0.9

6

• trees of long life span (more than 150 years)

• slow growth rate

1.0

Modifiers

• Environmental Weeds

• dangerous (poor branch attachment)

• undesirable characteristics (e.g. allergenic)

-0.1

• a rare species in the locality

• a special precious cultivated variety

• a ‘significant tree’ registered by the National Trust

• has special historical or other significance

+0.1

34 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

The aesthetic value of a tree is determined by the

impact on the landscape if the tree were removed.

This category is closely tied to the locality factor (L).

Contributes little to the landscape

0.5

One of a group of close plantings

0.6

Wide plantings

0.7

Irregular spacing between trees; regular spacing

one side

0.8

Street or pathway plantings, regular spacing both

sides

0.9

Solitary feature specimen tree

1.0

The locality factor is determined by the tree's

geographical situation. Trees in a capital city main

street or boulevard score highest because of the

stressful growing environment in which the tree has

to survive. As the location becomes more rural, the

significance of the tree diminishes

In undeveloped bushland or open forest

0.5

In country areas and country roads

1.0

In outer suburb areas and residential streets

1.5

In inner city suburbs

1.75

In City Park or Reserve; significant street near

City Centre

2.0

In City Garden, City Square, Mall or City Centre

secondary street

2.25

City Centre Main Street, Principal Boulevard

2.5

The tree condition value is determined by the

corresponding total score of the assessment criteria.

Trunk

• solid and sound

• sections of bark damaged/missing

• extensive decay, hollow trunk

5 3 1

Growth

• >15cm twig elongation this season

• 5-15cm twig elongation

• <5cm twig elongation

3 2 1

Structure • healthy, stable and sound

• some deadwood and dead limbs

• extensive dieback and deadwood

5 3 1

Pests and

Diseases

• no pest/disease infestation

• minor symptoms of infestation

• advanced symptoms of infestation

3 2 1

Canopy

Development

• full balance canopy

• full but unbalanced, lop-sided

• unbalanced and lacking full canopy

5 3 1

Life

Expectancy

• >50 years

• 10-50 years

• <10 years

5 3 1

6-9 10-13 14-18 19-22 23-26

very poor

poor

fair

good

excellent

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

The ecological benefits a tree provides will be calculated

in accordance with the i-Tree valuation tool. This is peer

reviewed software from the USDA Forest Service that

enables urban forest analysis and assessment and has

been adapted for Australian conditions.

The level of reinstatement required will be

determined by Council and will take into consideration

the location, the significance, the biodiversity

provision and the amenity of the tree. Reinstatement

costs will also include a 24-month tree establishment

fee and any treatment or Water Sensitive Urban

Design (WSUD) measure deemed to be required to

establish suitable replacement trees.

Appendix 4:

Compliance

Statement

Section 9(1) of the

(Act)

requires Council to give effect to the overarching

governance principles, in the performance of its role.

Section 9(2) of the Act specifies the governance

principles as follows:

a) Council decisions are to be made and actions

taken in accordance with the relevant law

(Compliance with the law);

b) Priority is to be given to achieving the best

outcomes for the municipal community, including

future generations (Achieve best outcomes for

the community);

c) The economic, social and environmental

sustainability of the municipal district, including

mitigation and planning for climate change risks,

is to be promoted (Promote the sustainability of

the municipality);

d) The municipal community is to be engaged in

strategic planning and strategic decision making

(Engage the community in strategic planning and

decision making);

e) Innovation and continuous improvement is to be

pursued (Strive for innovation and continuous

improvement);

f) Collaboration with other Councils and

Governments and statutory bodies is to be sought

(Collaborate with all other levels of government

and government agencies);

g) The ongoing financial viability of the Council is to

be ensured (Secure the ongoing financial viability

of Council);

h) Regional, state and national plans and policies are

to be taken into to account in strategic planning

and decision making (Strategic planning and

decision making must take into account plans and

policies in operation at all levels);

i) The transparency of Council decisions, actions and

information is to be ensured (Council decisions,

actions and information must be transparent).

In developing the Brimbank Tree Policy, Council has considered and given effect to the overarching governance

principles, as summarised below:

(a) Compliance with the law

Not applicable for this Policy.

(b) Achieve best outcomes for the community

This Policy seeks to ensure that this municipality reaches its target of

30% canopy cover for liveability for the future generations.

(c) Promote the sustainability of the municipality

This Policy is aligned with Council’s Climate Emergency Plan to ensure

that future heatwaves can be mitigated through an extensive urban

forest and canopy cover of 30%.

(d) Engage the community in strategic planning and

decision making

Not applicable for the Policy.

(e) Strive for innovation and continuous improvement Not applicable for the Policy.

(f) Collaborate with all other levels of government and

government agencies

This Policy supports Council’s involvement in Greening The West which

is a regional partnership seeking an increase in urban greening across

western municipalities.

(g) Secure the ongoing financial viability of Council

Not applicable for the Policy.

(h) Strategic planning and decision making must take into

account plans and policies in operation at all levels

Not applicable for the Policy.

(i) Council decisions, actions and information must be

transparent

Not applicable for the Policy.

36 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

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38 Brimbank Tree Policy August 2021

9249 4000

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

• TTY dial

133 677

• Speak & Listen

1300 555 727

•

www.relayservice.gov.au

, then enter

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