FAQs

Proposed Local Planning Policy 43 (LPP43), first and foremost, seeks to facilitate the protection of trees, and to maintain and enhance urban tree canopy on private property across the Town. LPP43 sets out that any ‘tree damaging activity’ to an identified Regulated Tree requires Development Approval. 

Scheme Amendment 12 comprises two parts – firstly, to delete Clause 61(1)(q) of Schedule A of Local Planning Scheme No.3 “the removal of a tree unless it is identified on the significant tree register” as an exemption for development approval. If this Clause is not deleted, it would mean that the removal of a tree (unless it is on the Significant Tree Register) does not require planning approval. Secondly, to remove Schedule 13B of Local Planning Scheme No.3 which incorporates the Significant Tree Register (establishment of this and other associated provisions). 

The deletion of these Local Planning Scheme No.3 provisions would allow LPP43 to take effect, once approved, and following public consultation. 

Regulated Tree means a living tree that: 

• Is 8.0 m or more high and/or 
• Has an average canopy diameter of at least 6.0m; and/or
• Has a trunk circumference of at least 1.5m, measured 1.4m from the ground; and
• Is of a species that is not included on the state or local weed register.

‘Tree damaging activities’, as per LPP43, means:  

1. The killing or destruction of a tree; and or  
2. The removal of a tree; and / or 
3. The severing of branches, limbs, stems, or trunk of a tree; and / or 
4. The ringbarking, topping, or lopping of a tree; and / or 
5. Any other substantial damage to a tree. 

Maintenance such as pruning is not tree damaging activity and would not require approval.

The current Local Planning Scheme No.3 provisions do not require a Development Approval for the damage or removal of any tree, unless it is on the Significant Tree Register. Systems like Significant Tree Registers have not proven to be particularly effective methods of tree retention within Perth Metropolitan Region local government areas, with reviews suggesting the nomination of significant trees is low.  

To combat this, LPP43 Scheme Amendment 12 would be implemented via an ‘opt-out’ method, where a tree on private property identified as a ‘Regulated Tree’ would require a Development Approval prior to damage or removal. This will provide the appropriate mechanisms to retain and protect trees and retain our urban canopy.

LPP43 utilises the framework set out in the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) policy template https://walga.asn.au/awcontent/Web/Documents/Environment/Model-Local-Planning-Policy-Tree-Retention.pdf

The Town does not currently have a local weed register. For declared weeds please refer to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.