Amendment C163 - Protection of significant trees
The Amendment introduces permanent planning controls to protect around 80 trees identified on the Maribyrnong Significant Tree Register 2021. The register has been established to protect significant trees so that we can safeguard our City’s natural and cultural heritage, and preserve the many benefits of trees in the urban landscape.
The Amendment came into effect on 10 February 2022.
What does the amendment do?
The amendment introduces a control called the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) on a permanent basis. It applies to properties with trees on the register and neighbouring properties in the Tree Protection Zone (canopy and root area).
Under the ESO, a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop a significant tree or construct in the Tree Protection Zone.
In some cases, the Tree Protection Zone extends onto neighbouring land.
Refer to the Explanatory Report in the links below for a full list of changes to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme, trees on the register and properties affected by the amendment.
Amendment process
Public exhibition of the amendment was held 26 June to 6 August 2020. Thank you to everyone who made a submission.
Council considered submissions in September 2020 and decided to refer all submissions to an independent Planning Panel appointed by the Minister for Planning to review. The Panel held a two-day Public Hearing on 28 and 31 May 2021.
The Panel delivered their report on 27 July 2021, recommending Council adopt the amendment and a finalised register with some changes.
Council adopted the amendment and register with changes on 14 September 2021.The changes reflect the Planning Panel's recommendations.
Following the Minister for Planning’s approval, Amendment C163 was incorporated into the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme on 10 February 2022.
An interim ESO applied to safeguard these trees during the amendment process was replaced with these permanent ESO controls.
Status
This amendment process has now concluded.
Community nominations of trees will continue to be accepted and will be assessed when the register is reviewed (due in 2025 under Council’s Significant Tree Register Nomination Policy 2021).
More information
You can view the Maribyrnong Significant Tree Register 2021 and approved Amendment documents in the links below.
If you have an enquiry, please contact us on 9688 0200 or email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.