Casey Significant Tree Strategy Incorporating the Significant Tree Register Version: 2.1 Date adopted: 18 November 2014 Date updated: 14 July 2015 Responsible Department: Strategic Development Council policy documents change from time to time and it is recommended that you consult the electronic reference copy at www.casey.vic.gov.au/policiesstrategies to ensure that you have the current version. Alternatively you may contact Customer Service on 9705 5200.
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Casey Significant Tree Strategy Incorporating the Significant Tree Register
Version: 2.1 Date adopted: 18 November 2014 Date updated: 14 July 2015 Responsible Department: Strategic Development
Council policy documents change from time to time and it is recommended that you consult the electronic reference copy at www.casey.vic.gov.au/policiesstrategies to ensure that you have the current version. Alternatively you may contact Customer Service on 9705 5200.
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Part 2 Significant Tree Register -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
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Executive Summary
The objective of this strategy is the protection of identified significant trees, and more particularly the protection of approximately 1000 identified River Red Gum, exotic and other native trees.
This strategy is an updated version of the adopted Casey Significant Tree Study 2011, which provides background information and the methodology for identification of significant trees, including:
» the community nomination process;
» the environmental, ecological, landscape, heritage and social values of trees;
» an assessment of the listed trees against National Trust and other criteria;
» general tree management principles for significant trees;
» an assessment of the most appropriate planning scheme controls to protect the identified trees; and
» other strategies to protect identified trees.
One key strategy of the adopted Casey Significant Tree Study 2011 is the introduction of permanent trees controls over the identified trees in the Casey Planning Scheme.
Tree controls will protect the identified trees and the associated Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) at the base of the tree to ensure proposed development will not negatively impact of the health and structure of the tree.
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Part 1 Significant Tree Strategy
Blue Atlas Cedar (Tree Id. 1206)
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1 Introduction
As Casey continues to grow substantially, significant trees and other vegetation are under threat due to rapid urban development. Trees in Casey have been removed for this urban development, as there have been few restrictions to removal. Also, trees have died due to improper care and maintenance.
Overall only about 6% of former indigenous vegetation exists in the City of Casey and that which remains is often severely degraded. Against this background, all remnant vegetation and fauna in the City of Casey is important.
Large old trees, including dead trees, are very important because they provide hollows and nesting sites and provide greater food resources. They are critical for the survival of many fauna species. Large old trees are rare and uncommon and impossible to replace.
Vegetation remnants and large exotic trees may occur on Council owned land, Crown land or private land. Remnants may occur on land that is zoned for urban development or other purposes.
River Red Gums have very important environmental, landscape and in some cases, cultural heritage values in Casey. Large River Red Gums are considered to be of such significance in the municipality that all extant nominated specimens meeting the size criteria have been included in the study.
The Casey Significant Tree Strategy identifies the most significant trees in Casey and provides planning controls to protect these trees into the future.
The Casey Significant Tree Register identifies approximately 850 River Red Gums, exotic and other native trees that meet specified significance criteria. The study also makes reference to additional known heritage trees, such as two Avenues of Honour.
The Casey Significant Tree Register is not a register of all significant trees in Casey. The identified list has been compiled reflecting community nominations. The list excludes significant trees already protected by other planning controls such as the Heritage Overlay. Further identified significant trees will be added to the register when the need arises.
2 The Casey Significant Tree Study
2.1 Chronology
Council initially investigated the potential to prepare a significant tree study in March 2005, following growing concerns about the removal of significant large trees prior to and during planning development processes. This study was initiated by Council with the support of the Conservation Advisory Committee.
Subsequent actions have resulted in this version of the Casey Significant Tree Strategy and the approval of planning controls to protect the identified significant trees.
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Date Action
2005 Council resolved to initiate a Significant Tree Register.
2006 Community nominations - 3215 trees.
2007 Initial tree list database compiled.
2009 Desktop ranking against significance criteria – final list of approximately 1000 trees.
2011 Significant Tree Study 2011 adopted by Council.
Individual assessments of River Red Gums on public land.
2012 Individual assessments of Exotics/Other Natives.
Interim planning scheme controls approved.
Exhibition of Amendment C148 for permanent controls.
2013 Consideration of submissions to Amendment C148.
Re-assessment of trees in response to submissions.
2014 Report to Council to consider submissions to Amendment C148.
Panel hearing 23 June 2014.
Panel report 4 August 2014.
Late 2014 Report to Council for adoption and submission to Minister of Planning for approval of Amendment C148.
Late 2014 Report to Council for adoption of a revised Casey Significant Tree Strategy incorporating the Casey Significant Tree Register.
2.2 Methodology
Stage 1
The first stage of the study was the compilation of a list of significant trees. The initial list comprised 3,215 trees collected from the following sources:
» Public nominations for trees were invited from the Casey community.
» Conservation Advisory Committee.
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» National Trust of Australia (Victoria) volunteers.
» Council staff.
» Council’s appointed arboriculture and environment consultant, ENSPEC.
» Trees identified in Council strategies, such as the City of Berwick Heritage Study and the City of Berwick Conservation Strategy, were also included in the list of identified trees.
» All eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gums) above a size of 40cm at DBH (diameter at breast height) have been considered in the study.
The trees were assessed against National Trust significance criteria and two additional criteria that were added by Council, being ‘Remnant’ and ‘Outstanding Habitat Value’.
Each tree was provided with a unique identification number. The resultant database of 3,130 trees contained the following information for each tree: location with GPS coordinates; genus and species; ownership (private/public); estimated age, height and canopy width; and a photograph.
Stage 2
The second stage involved a desktop analysis to rank trees into categories, followed by a roadside inspection of some trees to confirm the desktop analysis and create the final list.
During this stage, it was decided that the study should have two parts for the following categories of significant trees:
1. All River Red Gums above a size of 40cm DBH; and
2. Exotics and other natives.
It is possible that trees initially investigated but not included in the final list may be considered in future additions to the Casey Significant Tree Register.
Moreton Bay Fig (Tree Id. 73)
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2.3 Significance criteria
The value of significant trees in Casey has been assessed using the established National Trust of Australia (Victoria) criteria, as well as two additional criteria added through the development of this study.
Trees identified in the study adhere to at least one of the criteria below:
Significance criteria Description
National Trust Criteria
Horticultural Value Any tree that is of outstanding horticultural or genetic value (e.g. could be an important stock for future propagation), including rare examples of local gene pools.
Location or Landscape Context
Any tree that occurs in a unique location or context, providing a contribution to the landscape, including remnant native vegetation, important landmarks and trees which form part of a historic garden, park or town. This also includes trees contributing to neighbourhood or area character.
Rare or Localised Any tree species or group of trees that is/are rare in the wild or in cultivation or has a very localised distribution.
Particularly Old Any tree or group of trees that is/are particularly old or venerable for its/their species variant.
Outstanding Size Any tree or group of trees that is/are outstanding for its height, trunk circumference or canopy spread.
Aesthetic Value Any tree or group of trees that because of their particular form or other attributes, show considerable aesthetic value.
Curious Growth Form Any tree or group of trees that is/are of outstanding interest because they exhibits a curious growth form or physical feature arising from abnormal outgrowths, natural fusion of branches, natural damage or pruning.
Historic Value Any tree or group of trees that is important to the cultural or natural history of the area through the commemoration of a particular occasion, including plantings by notable people or having association with an important event in history.
Aboriginal Culture Any tree or group of trees that has a recognised association with Aboriginal culture or heritage
Outstanding Example of a Species
Any tree or group of trees that is/are an outstanding example of its species in terms of good form, structure and health.
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Significance criteria Description
Additional Criteria
Remnant Type 1: Tree/s that survive from the pre-European era.
Type 2: Tree/s surviving from a previous landscape period, e.g. fruit/nut trees that were part of orchards before urbanisation.
Outstanding Habitat Value
A tree or group of trees with outstanding value as habitat or niche for native flora and fauna.
This assessment will require a review by an ecologist.
3 Types of Significant Trees
3.1 River Red gums
Casey has magnificent eucalypts including scarred trees and remnant old growth River Red Gums, mostly in the low lying parts of Doveton, Eumemmering, Hampton Park and Lynbrook, and along the Dandenong and Eumemmerring Creeks and adjacent land.
The remnants visible today are party due to the legacy of past Council policy and practice. The former City of Berwick decided that in any subdivision of land containing remnant River Red Gums over 1.5m girth, sufficient land would be set aside to preserve the individual trees. As a consequence some specimen red gums, particularly in the Doveton and Eumemmerring areas, were retained on small Council reserves. The City of Berwick Conservation Strategy 1991 sought to protect flora and fauna and several reserves were set aside, including Gunns Road Reserve.
River Red gum (Tree Id. 821)
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Many remnant River Red Gums in Casey are situated in parks, reserves and roadsides, which can accommodate the height and spread of the trees. A smaller but important number of River Red Gums are situated on private land including residential lots.
The Lynbrook area is notable for accommodating significant River Red Gums within the design of residential subdivisions in parks, reserves and roadsides. River Red Gums are iconic within the Hampton Park area and remnant specimen trees provide a dramatic backdrop to development.
3.2 Exotics and other Natives
The intention of the study is to identify a good representation of significant exotic and other native trees in all areas across Casey, regardless of the proportion of significant trees in a given area.
For example, there is a greater proportion of large and prominent trees that were planted during early settlement in the Berwick Township area, and a lesser proportion of significant trees in the new growth areas, where trees have been removed in preparation for urban development. In these circumstances, significant trees have been selected as being of the greatest significance to the local area.
Significant trees are predominantly located in parks, reserves and roadsides, which can accommodate the height and spread of the trees. A smaller but important number of significant trees are situated on private land including residential lots.
Bunya Bunya Pine
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4 Values of Significance Trees
4.1 Environmental Values
There are numerous environmental benefits of significant trees in a rapidly developing municipality namely:
» Increased biodiversity.
» Improved water management.
» Improved air quality.
» Reduced heat island effect.
The Casey Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy 2003 found that all extant Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC’s) are now considered Vulnerable or Endangered in the City of Casey. The Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) which is the most typical in which eucalyptus camaldulensis is found, is endangered in the Gippsland Plain Bioregion.
That study concluded that without active protection and management most existing flora and fauna will be lost over various time scales.
All indigenous vegetation in the City of Casey is now a critically important biological resource and conservation initiatives must embrace the protection of remnant vegetation/fauna habitats from further destruction, and the management to maintain and upgrade biological values.
4.2 Ecological Values
Wildlife in Casey has been dramatically reduced over the last 200 years due to a serious decline in their natural habitat, which is largely due to agricultural use and urban land development. With this reduction in habitat, wildlife is struggling to find places to shelter, feed and breed. As a result populations of fauna, including many native bird species, continue to decline.
Large old trees are important environmental assets that are being progressively lost through clearing and declining health and are impossible to replace in the short term. They are now a scarce resource, virtually irreplaceable in a human lifespan. A range of native animals and birds are dependent on the natural hollows that develop in trees and some shrubs, for shelter and/or breeding. Very few trees are reaching the age at which hollows form, which can take over 120 years for suitable hollows to develop in a eucalypt tree.
Large old trees have greater food resources in the form of nectar, buds, seeds and invertebrates in bark than younger trees.
The loss of hollow-bearing trees from Victorian native forests has been listed as a potentially threatening process in accordance with Section 10 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Protecting large old trees and smaller trees on their way to becoming larger trees is one of the most important actions for conserving indigenous flora and fauna in an over cleared landscape.
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Scar tree Cranbourne habitat hollow.
Birds
» There are a surprising number of Australian bird species that rely on hollows for nesting sites. For example, Cockatoos only nest in tree-hollows, as do most other species of parrots and owls.
» Hollows only form in the trunks or branches of old trees. In many areas, there is a shortage of available hollows suitable for building nests.
» The clearing of old growth trees immediately robs hollow-nesting species of nest sites and, in the case of the Powerful Owl, many of its preferred mammalian prey species, such as possums, gliders and phascogales, which also live in tree-hollows, compounding the adverse effect.
» In areas where clearing of old trees has occurred, sometimes only a few hollows remain, resulting in much competition for breeding space. Some species are very aggressive when defending nest hollows, and less aggressive species decline.
Animals
» More than 300 species of Australian vertebrates depend on tree-hollows including dead trees.
» Trees with hollows are very important for native animals for nesting, sheltering or finding food.
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» Animals are very particular about what makes a hollow ‘suitable’ and the majority of occupied hollows, which can often be detected by their smooth, stained entrances, are more than 100 years old.
» Animals regularly move between many hollow trees to avoid predators and limit parasites.
» Tree-hollows provide essential nesting sites for many types of native animals including possums, gliders, birds, reptiles and bats.
4.3 Landscape Values
Large old trees of 8 or 9 metres in height are visually significant to the urban landscape setting. Being generally taller than the built form, the trees provide a canopy and landscape setting for urban development.
The retention of large old trees will protect scenic and recreational landscape assets. The trees form parts of the skyline are a key element of local landscape character.
River Red Gums are a visible reminder of the landscape prior to settlement, with some of these trees in Casey being more than 200 years old.
Trees and vegetation perform important functions at the local landscape scale, supporting wildlife movement, protecting soil from erosion and buffering riparian or other significant areas. These trees are excellent for soil stability, the regeneration of sites which have eroded, and also in wetlands.
Remnant (and planted) River Red Gums can be incorporated into macro-scale water-sensitive urban design features, such as swales, in new estates/subdivisions, due to their high tolerance for flooding. Inundation can add significantly to the growth rates of these trees under the right circumstances.
In summary, landscape benefits include:
» Visual screening and aesthetics;
» Soften urban landscape;
» Provide focal points;
» Provide scale to surrounding development;
» Shade/heat absorption; and
» Wind protection.
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Scar tree Cranbourne West
4.4 Heritage Values
Many trees or groups of trees are important to the cultural or natural history of the area or have recognised association with Aboriginal culture or heritage.
Formal recognition of such heritage values is provided by inclusion on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and/or under the Heritage Overlay in the planning scheme.
There are numerous significant trees across the municipality that are formally identified for heritage protection.
Aboriginal cultural heritage
» Many of the River Red Gums within the urban areas of the municipality have been estimated to pre-date European settlement.
» Indigenous plants such as River Red Gums also form an important aspect of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
» They form an important link with the past, are a visual representation of earlier landscapes and support native fauna.
» Some plants were used for food and medicine by Aboriginal groups.
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» Some trees of importance to Aboriginal communities are no longer standing, such as in May Gibbs Crescent, Lynbrook, but are worthy of protection as heritage fabric for reference by future generations.
» Aboriginal Places are automatically afforded protection under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 regardless of their presence or not on the Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS). There are 19 scar trees currently identified and recorded on this register, with the potential for more to be included.
» The Heritage Overlay (HO) include 2 trees of aboriginal cultural significant (scar trees).
Scar tree Cranbourne West
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Heritage
» Casey’s River Red Gums are of historic significance having historic links to Melbourne’s growth, where timber from the district was used for wharves and street pavers in the central area.
» The Heritage Overlay (HO) includes listing of identified heritage trees:
» St Margaret’s School, 27-47 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick (HO39);
» Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton (HO103);
» Gum trees Near 71 Pound Road, Hampton Park (HO140); and
» Henry Joseph Moran Reserve Pound Road, Hampton Park (HO178).
» The Heritage Overlay (HO) includes listing of seven Avenues of Honour of heritage significance, as identified and described in Our Living Memorials, Avenues of Honour in the City of Casey. The seven Casey Avenues of Honour are:
» Cranbourne Avenue of Honour, South Gippsland Highway Cranbourne (HO142);
» Narre Warren North Avenue of Honour, Memorial Drive and Main Street, Narre Warren North (HO27);
» Harkaway Avenue of Honour, Harkaway Road, Harkaway (HO165);
» Berwick Boys Grammar School, Church Street, Berwick (HO155);
» Tooradin Avenue of Honour, South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin (HO143);
» Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour, High Street, Berwick (HO198); and
» Wilson & Scanlon Streets, Berwick (HO199).
4.5 Social Values
Parks are inspiring and pleasant places to exercise and improve physical and mental wellbeing for today’s sedentary society that is more vulnerable to stress, mental health issues and obesity than ever before.
Parks and reserves with significant trees provide social benefits in terms of the physical, mental and spiritual health of individuals and the community. Such benefits include:
» Improved liveability.
» A distinct identity and sense of place.
» A “country feel-city living” character in existing and future suburbs.
» Added value to homes and communities.
» Improved health and wellbeing.
» Shade and shelter for all age groups on streets and in public parks.
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» Increased community engagement.
» Active and non-active participation in outdoor activities.
» Improved community resilience to climate change
Parks also provide economic benefits to local communities. The recreation and tourism industries are sources of local employment with flow-on economic benefits to local and wider communities.
5 Management of Significant Trees
Management of significant trees involves consideration of such matters as the protection of the root system, avoidance of soil compaction around the tree base, ensuring an adequate water supply, and maintenance of the trunk and canopy.
Large trees may require active management in the course of their lifetime, for public safety and the longevity of the trees. Management of these trees may at times require specialist knowledge. Ideally, the condition of an individual tree should be assessed by an arborist on a cyclical basis, and a management plan prepared to guide maintenance works.
Typically, old trees have adapted over time to changing weather and climatic conditions. Recently, weather and climatic conditions have led to long periods of drought and old trees may have difficulties in adapting. It is important to ensure that water levels for significant trees are maintained through changing conditions to ensure the survival of trees.
5.1 Tree Protection Zone
The management of individual trees is focussed on the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). The TPZ is calculated in accordance with the provisions of Australian Standard AS4970-2009. The Australian Standard can be applied to both indigenous and exotic trees.
This standard applies a larger protective area being identified in which disturbance is to be avoided. Previously, it was common practice to exclude the area under a tree’s canopy from buildings and works.
The TPZ is calculated using the diameter at breast height (DBH), which is the diameter of the tree at 1.4m above grade. This is then multiplied by 12 to give a measurable distance from the tree. The TPZ is the area within this distance from the centre of tree’s trunk. (Where this is not possible such as where access to the site is restricted, a minimum tree protection envelope area of 20 metres radius from the tree trunk would apply).
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Tree Protection Zone
The TPZ may apply to allotments which do not contain the trunk of the tree, i.e. they may be located on the adjoining lot. In these cases adjoining landowners also play a part in ensuring the protection of a tree and may also benefit by the amenity offered by the tree such as landscape and aesthetic value.
Tree Protection Zone and Neighbouring Properties
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Disturbance should be avoided within the TPZ beneath each tree and there should be no new construction activity within this protection envelope. Hard surface areas and building works should be located away from the TPZ.
Threatening processes within the TPZ include:
» Weed invasions and disturbance.
» Tree decline, e.g. through possum browsing.
» Nutrient enrichment.
» Use of particular chemicals (in herbicides and pesticides).
» Soil compaction, e.g. by parking cars under trees.
» Soil cultivation/excavation/fill greater than 100mm depth from existing grade.
» Insect attack.
» Deterioration in water-quality.
» Erosion and sedimentation.
5.2 Site Specific Management
The key management considerations for all significant trees are:
» Avoiding disturbance within the TPZ;
» A regular tree assessment by an arborist; and
» Preparation of a management plan to guide maintenance works.
Site specific management techniques may be warranted in response to local conditions.
Additionally, irrigation considerations are particularly important for River Red Gums. This is because River Red Gums have evolved in response to periodic flooding. Interruption of drainage flows to the base of the tree is to be avoided. A reduction in the quantity of water to a tree can be caused through compaction by machinery, foot traffic or animals, changed drainage lines and overall reduced infiltration. A review of drainage in vicinity of trees may be required. Simple rectification to drainage flows may result in a better outcome for individual River Red Gums. River Red gums may be prone to limb drop.
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Works near and within the Tree Protection Zone
The following table lists tree management actions for identified significant trees and additional actions that may be required for River Red Gums.
Actions for all significant trees Additional actions for River Red Gums
Road Reserves
Installation of barrier protection.
Review drainage lines to ensure trees are sufficiently irrigated.
TPZ may apply to several properties, including private properties.
Example: very large specimen trees in road reserves in Lynbrook.
TPZ could apply to several properties, and understorey planting with native grasses within the TPZ is desirable.
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Actions for all significant trees Additional actions for River Red Gums
Residential Blocks
Minimum TPZ of 20m radius from the tree trunk, which may also apply to neighbouring properties.
Best practice tree management advice provided to landowners.
Small grants scheme could give support to landowners.
Example: Large specimen trees on residential blocks in Mystic Court in Doveton.
Arborist assessment and reporting may identify tree works in the interest of promoting the safety of residents and the health and longevity of the trees.
Large Developable Lots
Refer Australian Standards for protection envelope to be fenced off during construction activity.
Example: Large specimen trees in large developable lots in Hallam Road in Hampton Park.
Parks
Maintenance considerations such as the exclusion of activities and mulching or planting under canopy area.
Example: Parks and regeneration areas Banjo Patterson Reserve in Lynbrook.
Fencing off mature River Red gums may include some planting with native grasses to protect the trees and enhance public safety.
Restricting access and fencing off for revegetation and management as conservation zones is desirable, without the need for mulching.
Land management plans to be prepared for larger public sites.
Location of footpaths and street furniture should be sited outside the TPZ.
There is the opportunity for River Red gum regeneration on larger sites.
Trees to be set back 15-20m from boundaries.
Some fencing is appropriate for safety and to limit disturbance within the TPZ.
5.3 Revegetation, Regeneration and Habitat Links
With habitat, landscape and heritage values, River Red Gum linkages have potential benefits greater than the sum of the individual trees. Urban habitat links are particularly important for the survival of birds and insects. Habitat links may also facilitate the
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regeneration of indigenous trees. The need to offset the loss of native vegetation could lead to the strengthening of habitat links.
A habitat link is defined as:
An arrangement of habitat, not necessarily linear or continuous, that enhances the movement of animals or the continuity of ecological processes through the landscape’
(Ecological Connectivity Plan p. iii)
Several strategic studies have identified a need for greater regional habitat corridors/habitat links throughout the south-eastern region of greater Melbourne. A common theme in these studies is the continuing decline in biodiversity values combined with the increased pressure to further develop land for housing.
Scar tree Greater Dandenong/Casey boundary
The Casey Revegetation Strategy identifies the importance of restoring landscapes and protecting natural assets. The Living Links Corridors of Connectivity Master Plan Project 2, Discussion Paper, 2010, has identified the Dandenong Creek and Eumemmerring Creek corridors as key revegetation areas to which the Casey River Red gums are integral.
The Dandenong Creek Corridor sits immediately to the west of the Doveton and Endeavour Hills residential areas, while the Eumemmering Creek corridor abuts the Hallam area, and includes major reserves such as Gunns Road Reserve.
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Recommended objectives and actions for these corridors include:
» Applying planning scheme overlays to protect endangered vegetation communities and wetland habitat.
» Protecting all endangered vegetation communities, aquatic wetland habitat and habitat for threatened fauna species.
» Encouraging Councils to work with residents to improve local environmental conditions e.g. by planting indigenous vegetation to encourage birdlife to travel from urban areas to the corridors.
» Undertaking riparian improvement and target landholders to address biodiversity on private land.
» Liaising with Melbourne Water to protect remnant vegetation and create formal linkages.
» Strengthening movement and biodiversity connectivity in conjunction with Council and developers.
6 Planning Controls for Tree Protection
6.1 Council Policy
The City of Casey supports the protection of significant trees. This direction is established in the Council Plan 2013-2017 and is repeated in Casey C21 Building a Great City, 2011 and its precursor strategy, Casey C21, A Vision for Our Future. Key policy themes are environmentally responsible planning, enhancement of biodiversity, creation of habitat links and the protection of heritage assets.
As a result, the protection of significant trees is a recurring objective in numerous strategies of the Casey policy framework.
Casey Policy framework
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6.2 State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks
The State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) contains various policy objectives that support: firstly, the identification, retention and protection of trees for biodiversity, habitat, character and heritage values; and secondly, the integration of trees into the planning and development of areas.
The Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) comprises a Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) and various local policies. The protection of natural assets is a recognized objective within the LPPF for the benefit of current and future communities. The MSS also recognises that trees in general are the dominant streetscape element of Casey’s suburban and non-suburban areas.
Significant trees are finite assets within the municipality, valued because of their association with the landscape and cultural heritage and for their environmental attributes. Due to pressures associated with urban development, the ongoing viability and retention of these assets come under threat.
The detailed State and local strategies can be accessed from the Casey Planning Scheme website at Casey - Planning Schemes Online
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6.3 Tree controls in the Casey Planning Scheme
There are a number of existing controls in the Casey Planning Scheme that apply to the removal/lopping of vegetation.
There are four overlays that can be used to protect and manage vegetation in urban areas:
» Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO). This overlay is specifically designed to protect significant native and exotic vegetation in an urban or rural environment. It can be applied to individual trees, stands of trees or areas of significant vegetation.
» Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO). This overlay can be applied where there are environmental constraints on development or other important ecological values are identified. The ESO has broader applicability than the VPO as it may contain requirements for the construction of buildings and the carrying out of works.
» Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO). The SLO is appropriate when vegetation is primarily of aesthetic or visual importance in the broader landscape and should be used where vegetation is identified as an important contributor to the character of an area.
» Heritage Overlay (HO). The HO can apply to a tree or group of trees with identified historic or cultural significance.
The appropriate type of overlay control applicable to different areas has been assessed under differing circumstances with the guidance of the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Planning Practice Note: Vegetation Protection in Urban Areas, 1999.
6.4 Amendment C148 to the Casey Planning scheme
The comparative assessment of the planning controls indicated that the two principal planning tools considered most appropriate for the protection of individual significant trees are the Environmental Significance Overlay and the Heritage Overlay. These controls were incorporated into the planning scheme through Amendment C148.
Amendment C148 to the Casey Planning scheme to introduce permanent planning controls over identified significant trees was a key action in the original Casey Significant Tree Study 2011. The Amendment was adopted by Council on 18 November 2014 following a panel hearing to consider submissions.
Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)
» ESO7 was applied for the protection of individual River Red Gums.
» ESO8 was applied for the protection of other significant Exotic and Native trees.
» The ESO was considered the most appropriate overlay, as it can be applied to an individual tree or a wider landscape, and importantly, a permit is required to carry out buildings and works within the TPZ area.
» The ESO protects the entire tree and its capacity to grow, as buildings and works should not be allowed within the TPZ to avoid any root disturbance.
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» Future subdivision plans should take into consideration the location of existing trees to avoid any development within the TPZ and ensure that land within a TPZ would not be affected by a multiple subdivided titles.
Heritage Overlay (HO)
» The HO applies to the extant fabric of trees of Aboriginal cultural significance, and two Avenues of Honour in Berwick.
» The HO applies to trees with an identified connection to local heritage.
» The HO over the Avenues of Honour will be consistent where similar Avenues of Honour are protected under the Heritage Overlay.
7 Implementation and Monitoring
7.1 Future additions to Significant Tree Register
The Casey Significant Tree Study 2011 is viewed as an initial stage in identifying those trees which are considered most valued in the municipality and are worthy of protection.
It is to be expected that additional trees of significance will be identified from time to time that require protection and therefore further stages of the strategy will be required to keep the list up to date.
7.2 Planning Controls
The key intention of the Casey Significant Tree Study 2011 was protect identified significant trees through the Casey Planning Scheme. This has been achieved through the introduction of the ESO7 and ESO8 and HO into the Casey Planning scheme. The proposed new MSS to be introduced by Amendment C50 should be strengthened to recognize the values of the identified significant trees and to include the updated Casey Significant Tree Strategy as a reference document.
Corrective amendments to the Casey Planning Scheme should be undertaken on an as-needs basis to include any further significant trees identified as being worthy of protection.
A further review of significant native and exotic trees within Casey should be conducted to investigate those trees identified as having some significance but not included as part of the original study.
7.3 Ongoing management of the Casey Significant Tree Register
It will be necessary to regularly update and amend the Casey Significant Tree Register. As stated above, additional trees of significance will be identified from time to time and will be added to the register in future amendments.
It is intended to implement a ‘live’ significant tree database to reflect inevitable changes to the list such as:
» Physical removal of a tree after storm damage;
» Physical removal of a tree if assessed as being dangerous;
Casey Significant Tree Strategy (Version 2.1) Page 27 of 57
» Planning permit for removal following consideration and assessment of arborist advice;
» Addition of a significant tree; and
» Minor corrections to tree database.
A biennial desk-top review is intended and periodic inspection and reporting of the identified trees will be conducted as advised by a consultant arborist.
7.4 Offsets and Replanting
Large old trees are valued for habitat importance, such as providing nesting hollows and therefore their removal is to be discouraged. Any offset planting must be in accordance with the Casey Planning Scheme including Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework.
Any replanting or supplementary planting of River Red Gums should be on a landscape basis so that connections or bio-links with surrounding woodlands and streamside corridors are maintained and strengthened.
If other significant trees are permitted to be removed, replacement of suitable tree species and offsets may be required to be planted locally and maintained to Council’s satisfaction.
7.5 Tree Management
Ground disturbance should be avoided within the TPZ beneath each tree and there should be no new construction activity within the TPZ. Over time, hard surfaced areas or facilities such as paving or seating would desirably be located away from the TPZ. Threatening processes within the TPZ should be avoided including: weed invasions and disturbance; nutrient enrichment; soil compaction; substantial insect attack; deterioration in water-quality parameters; soil compaction; erosion and sedimentation.
Council, in partnership with private landholders may, if appropriate, seek to discourage access within and fence the TPZ around large River Red Gums where they are in danger of impact from grazing, traffic, spraying or agricultural activity. Fencing and rehabilitation may also be recommended for other significant trees protection zones where threatened by ground disturbance activities.
Drainage assessments may be required as a consideration of planning permit applications for works or development in close proximity to River Red Gums or other significant trees.
7.6 Heritage and Landscape
All Casey’s Avenues of Honours and extant heritage fabric of Aboriginal cultural significance such as fallen scar trees should be protected through the Heritage Overlay of the Casey Planning Scheme.
7.7 Small Grant Fund
A small grant fund should be established to support private landowners in their efforts to protect and maintain significant trees. Suitable works may include tree maintenance, fencing off, water diversion, under storey planting, or individual property management plans.
Casey Significant Tree Strategy (Version 2.1) Page 28 of 57
Casey intends to establish a small grant fund to support private landowners to maintain significant trees on their property. The grant fund will financially assist works aimed at protecting and enhancing the significant trees, such as protective fencing, understorey planting with tussock grasses, and preparing individual property management plans.
The existing Casey Heritage Fund is a similar small grants scheme which supports heritage property owners in the maintenance and enhancement of heritage places, and a similar grant scheme is proposed to apply to the identified significant trees. The grants scheme would also provide for emergency works to the trees.
7.8 Interpretation and Public Education
Interpretation and public education will play an important role in the protection in all Casey’s significant trees. Information on the protection of the trees will be compiled and distributed to landowners, community groups and individuals.
Information should be published on best practice management of Exotics and other Natives intended for protection.
A brochure indicating the value of River Red Gums trees containing hollows and their importance to wildlife will be produced and distributed to affected property owners.
Parks staff and contractors need to access information on planning controls, policies and management guidelines relevant to the protection of River Red Gums, trees with hollows and other significant trees.
Consideration will be given to compiling a suite of interpretative signage explaining the significance of the trees and their ongoing value to the community.
7.9 Monitoring tree protection controls
Following implementation of the tree protection controls in the Casey Planning Scheme by Amendment C148, the effectiveness of the controls should be monitored on a regular basis.
Key indicators of success may include:
» The response to the small grants fund;
» The number of enforcement actions in relation to significant trees;
» The number of planning applications under the ESO.
Casey Significant Tree Strategy (Version 2.1) Page 29 of 57
Bibliography
Australian Standard – Protection of trees on development sites, AS 4970 (2009)
Australian Standard – Pruning of Amenity Trees, AS 4373 (2007)
Casey C21 Building a Great City, City of Casey (adopted 19 July 2011)
City of Casey Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy Volume 1 and Volume 2 Report Prepared by McMillan, S.E. Way, S, Carr, G. W and McMahon A. G. May 2003
Casey Revegetation Strategy 5 May 2009 Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd
City of Casey Roadside Vegetation Management (City of Casey 2005) Ecology Australia Pty Ltd Sarah E. Bedggood & Jamie B McMahon
Department of Planning and Community Development Planning Practice Note Vegetation Protection in Urban Areas (August 1999)
Ecological Connectivity Plan for the south-east region of Melbourne Prepared for DSE 26 April 2010
Living Links Corridors of Connectivity Master Plan Project 2 Discussion paper October 2010
Our Living Memorials Avenues of Honour in the City of Casey, City of Casey 2001
Parks Forum Ltd 2008 The Value of Parks Inspire Refresh Conserve Protect Play
The City of Berwick Conservation Strategy 1991
Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002).
Websites
Birdlife Australia Threats to birds | BirdLife
ANU Home in the Hollows Home Sweet Home: Life in a Woodland Tree