Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and suggestions for the draft policy.

We received 174 survey submissions.

We learned that the majority of respondents to the Draft Tree Management Policy Survey Round 1 are supportive of Council’s plans to increase canopy throughout the municipality while planting the most appropriate trees within streetscapes.

We gathered valuable information to help us work towards the final Policy.

Key Themes -

  • Preference for smaller trees under powerlines
  • Consideration for native and indigenous species rather than exotic trees
  • Support for Council’s plan to increase biodiversity and drought tolerant trees
  • Support for more trees being planted
  • Concerns that street trees are over pruned to meet power line clearance requirements
  • Concerns that proposed notification periods of one week for pruning and small tree removals is too short

Next Steps –

  • Develop Final Draft Tree Management Policy
  • Present community engagement results and Final Draft Tree Management Policy to Councillors in April 2026
  • Round two of community engagement for Final Draft Tree Management Policy to be undertaken in May/June 2026
  • Final Tree Management Policy to be developed and considered by Council in mid/late 2026

Whitehorse City Council values the important contribution of trees and vegetation in making the municipality a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Our ‘urban forest' includes trees, shrubs and groundcovers along with the soil and water they depend on. It provides several benefits including:

  • Shading and cooling during summer
  • Improving air quality
  • Water retention reducing the risk of flooding
  • Improved community connectedness and wellbeing
  • Providing shade and habitat for wildlife, birds, and insects

Council is committed to protecting and enhancing our urban forest canopy.

This Draft Tree Management Policy aims to ensure the effective management of trees on public land and alignment to Council’s Urban Forest Strategy 2021-2031.

The policy covers all trees on public land managed by Council, including streets, parks, and Council facilities. It aims to balance the benefits of trees with community safety and the needs of infrastructure.

This policy does not apply to trees on private land or trees managed by other authorities.