- Target:
- Hornsby Shire Council
- Region:
- Australia
Hornsby Council plans to implement a new Tree Preservation Order on 1 September 2011, which will make any tree which is not heritage or indigenous exempt from protection. All trees other than listed weed species are currently protected.
The objective of the ‘Preservation of trees or vegetation’ clause in the standard instrument Local Environment Plan, introduced by the state government, is ‘to preserve the amenity of the area, including biodiversity values, through the preservation of trees and other vegetation’. The exclusion of non-indigenous trees is contrary to that objective, and fails to recognise the environmental, social, economic, habitat, biodiversity, and aesthetic value of non-indigenous trees.
These new rules are the result of the decision by councilors to rely on a voluntary vote amongst residents. The vote gave 3 choices – to keep the current TPO; to increase the number of exempt species; or to protect only indigenous species. (Source: Hornsby & Upper North Shore Advocate, 11 Jan. ‘11) 55% of the 830 respondents voted to only protect indigenous trees. Hornsby Local Government area has a population of approximately 160,000, meaning 0.5% of the population voted for this outcome.
The new TPO presents a potential for massive loss of urban forest – most trees within urban areas are not indigenous, and under the new TPO could be removed by the land owner at any time.
Arboriculturists, allied professionals, and concerned citizens are encouraged to make their voices heard. It will only take 460 votes to outweigh the council vote. The last council meeting before the TPO is due to begin is on Wednesday, 24 August 2011. The aim is to present this petition to council before the TPO is in effect.
We the undersigned call on Hornsby Shire Council to repeal their new Tree Preservation Order planned to begin on 1 September 2011, which will protect only trees which are heritage or indigenous to the Hornsby Shire area. Non-indigenous trees should be included in any future Tree Preservation Order.
The objective of the ‘Preservation of trees or vegetation’ clause in the standard instrument Local Environment Plan, introduced by the state government, is ‘to preserve the amenity of the area, including biodiversity values, through the preservation of trees and other vegetation’. The exclusion of non-indigenous trees is contrary to that objective, and fails to recognise the environmental, social, economic, habitat, biodiversity, and aesthetic value which non-indigenous trees have.
Council’s obligation under this LEP is to preserve trees and biodiversity, indigenous or otherwise. Exemption of non-indigenous plants disregards current professional arboricultural principles and best practice standards. Furthermore, Council employs qualified and knowledgeable Arboricultural professionals whose job it is to ensure the preservation and protection of trees throughout the Shire. The Tree Preservation Order should be prepared in accordance with arboriculture and the public benefit of trees, as accepted by the Arboriculture industry.
The new Tree Preservation Order was decided via a voluntary vote which resulted in around 800 responses from the public, with the final decision resting with Hornsby Councilors. The advice of arboricultural professionals was given little or no weighting.
This method of deciding on important council-wide regulation is inappropriate. The Tree Preservation Order should be based on fact, best practice, arboricultural values and principles, and not on a small sample of popular opinion.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Stop Hornsby Tree Destruction petition to Hornsby Shire Council was written by Jacki Brown and is in the category Local Government at GoPetition.