Proposed Local Planning Policy 43 Scheme Amendment 12 – Urban Greening - Tree Preservation on Private Property

Urban Greening

The Town is proposing a new approach to protecting trees on private land, through a draft policy called Local Planning Policy 43 (LPP43) – Urban Greening: Tree Preservation on Private Property. This is part of Scheme Amendment 12, which aims to strengthen protections for mature trees and support a greener, cooler, and more liveable community. Trees are essential to our community’s health, character, and climate resilience. LPP43 ensures we protect what makes Mosman Park green and beautiful.

The Town understands that introducing this policy may have an impact on residents, developers, and local businesses. That’s why we’re taking the time to share the proposal openly and invite feedback from individuals, community groups, and organisations. Your input will help guide Council’s decision-making before the policy is finalised.

• LPP43 is designed to protect and grow our urban tree canopy, supporting the Town’s vision for sustainable, leafy neighbourhoods. 
• The policy is based on the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) model policy template, ensuring best practice and consistency with other local governments. 
• The new approach replaces the old “Significant Tree Register” system which was never implemented and noted in other jurisdictions to be, be costly, resource-intensive, and not effective in retaining trees on private land. 

What’s changing?

• Regulated Trees: 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: Removal, severe pruning, or any substantial damage to a regulated tree requires development approval.
• Exemptions: Maintenance pruning, urgent works for safety, and works on weed species or palms are exempt.
• Assessment: Applications to remove or damage a regulated tree will consider the tree’s health, contribution to the streetscape, and potential alternatives to removal.
• Compliance: Unauthorised removal or damage may result in penalties.

The draft LPP43 uses the WALGA template, which is recognised as best practice for local governments across WA and was adopted by Council after careful review of costs, effectiveness, and feedback from the community and other local governments. We've also considered the strong historical community support for tree retention:

• 70.2% of residents support increasing tree canopy cover.
• 53.7% of residents support more trees on Glyde Street.
• 62.2% of residents value leafy streets on Wellington Street.

Where can I review this policy?

A copy of the draft Local Planning Policy No. 43 - Urban Greening: Tree Preservation on Private Property can be accessed via the 'Documents' link on the right-hand side of the page. You can also view other key documents and frequently asked questions.

What’s next?

• Public Consultation: The policy and scheme amendment will be advertised for community feedback for 42 days.
• Community Engagement: Residents will be invited to ask questions through online forums and complete online surveys to learn more and have their say.
• Data Collection: The Town will gather feedback on awareness, attitudes, and any concerns or barriers to compliance.

Want to know more?

• See the full draft policy and supporting documents in the side menu under 'Documents'.
• Check the FAQs in the side menu under 'FAQs'.