On July 20th, 2010 the following ‘Request for a Report” was passed –
I ask for a report on how many trees were planted last year and how many so far this year. What work is done to ensure that our trees establish themselves well over their first few years and what work is undertaken to ensure the longevity of our mature trees. Finally, have Officers any suggestions or recommendations to improve our tree husbandry. (Penhalluriack/Hyams)
The MOTION was put and CARRIED.
The result?
“To report on Council’s street tree planting and tree maintenance programs”. (Minutes of 21st September, 2010)
This is not the first time that officers’ reports have come back and:
- Altered the frame of reference
- Failed to respond to vital aspects of the request, and
- Proffered recommendations that were not envisaged or intended by the original request
Yet, not one councillor appears to have noticed! Not one councillor stated that the request for a report was for ALL TREES in all parks, not merely STREET TREES!! In fact PARK TREES only rated a mention twice, but in weird contexts such as:
“Park trees (which suffer less environmental damage) usually last longer.”
“Particularly affected have been park trees which Council is no longer able to irrigate with potable water due to water restrictions.”
Penhalluriack & Hyams asked the specific question ‘how many trees were planted last year’? The answer given is: “In 2009/10, Council planted 1,417 street trees (639 replacement and 778 additional). From 1 July to 23 July, Council had planted 800 street trees”. So much for direct, transparent answers!
Again, by way of contrast we would like to draw readers’ attention to the fact that both Kingston and Port Phillip have an ‘URBAN FOREST’ policy which is defined as: “The Urban Forest is the sum total of all trees and associated vegetation growing within an urban area. It includes trees on private and public managed land. The City of Kingston Tree Management Policy, however, pertains solely to trees located on Council managed land” (Kingston) – that is, both STREET AND PARK TREES!! Kingston also includes this promise to its residents -“ Council will consult and inform the community about all major projects involving tree removal. Council will provide residents seven days notice regarding proposed street tree removal unless a tree poses an unacceptable risk and requires immediate removal. Appeals relating to tree removal must be provided in writing to the Team Leader of Parks. Residents also have the option to obtain an independent arborists repor t.” As far as we know, nothing like this exists in Glen Eira, and the recent angst over the removal of major trees in Caulfield Park, clearly show the necessity of such a policy.
Far too often, councillors’ requests for reports are magically transformed into documents which bear no resemblance to the original question and tend to include recommendations that were not included in the parameters of the original request. Or, as in this case, the request for potential ‘improvements’ is completely ignored. Our questions are thus directed to councillors –
- Why are such reports not rejected?
- Why should the community be satisfied with your silence?
- Who runs this council? You, or unelected officers?
Glen Eira Debates 
October 2, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Letter in this week’s Caulfield Leader –
Save significant tree
A PROPOSED housing development application in Ormond near the Oakleigh Rd strip reserve is seeking to remove all existing trees from the block. This includes the removal of a ‘‘significant tree’’. The tree, an american pin oak, is well established, healthy, deciduous and in the prime of life.
While not an Australian native, its significance (as well as providing shade and protection from the summer heat) lies in the number and variety of native birds that the tree accommodates.
Recent urban development and highdensity human population, as well as below average rainfall over 10 years, has put considerable pressure on all the birds in the area. The removal of three more large trees adds yet more stress to their already endangered environment.
If you can support our appeal to conserve the tree please contact Margaret, 0410 475 076.
This is on top of a Leader article dated 28th April, 2010. It reads –
Help save our trees
THE lack of a tree policy is causing ‘‘carnage’’ in Glen Eira with homeowners chopping down trees as they please, a resident says. John Meyers said Glen Eira Council needed to get tough about tree removal. His neighbour recently removed several trees, each up to 30m, from a Balaclava Rd property to build a new house. No permit was required to remove the trees.
‘‘There has to be a change in attitude,’’ Dr Meyers said.
The council’s lack of policy meant ‘‘it’s do as you will . . . it’s just carnage’’, he said. The council has no controls for trees on private property.
Its street tree policy is being reviewed, but only relates to trees on nature strips. Dr Meyers said Glen Eira should have a policy similar to Bayside Council, which encouraged tree growth and protection. Residents in Bayside cannot remove significant or large trees without a permit. Council spokesman Paul Burke said town planning controls provided ‘‘some form of control’’ over significant trees but that was isolated to identified properties or cases where a permit was needed for multi-unit development.
‘‘It has been the council’s experience that where people are in favour of tree controls it is usually over their neighbours’ trees, not their own,’’ Mr Burke said. The 20 submissions received on the draft street tree policy will be considered at a meeting likely to be in June, Mr Burke said. Should there be a tree policy for private properties? Tell us online at our website moorabbinleader.com.au
October 4, 2010 at 9:16 AM
My block of land is owned by my family and I can maintain my garden according to my requirements. I elect to live in a Democratic Society and the last thing I need is someone telling me what I can and can’t do on my block of land. We all know the reason behind most tree related bleatings is a cheap way of objecting to developments. As to using the term Dr, half our Municipality are Dr this or Dr that and the title only means something to the uneducated.Just because one is highly educated it doesn’t give them any more clout than anyone else.