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City of Stirling moves to further protect trees

Kate LeaverStirling Times

TREES on private property could be protected under a new City of Stirling amendment, which is now open for public comment.

Stirling’s amendment number nine aims to tackle the issue of canopy loss on private land with 290ha of tree canopy loss by 2030 if the current rate of development continues.

The City will spend up to $78 million over 15 years planting trees to combat the loss on private land.

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Stirling planning manager Fraser Henderson said the policy supporting the amendment would require replacement trees to be planted at the cost of the applicant.

“Tree canopy across the City of Stirling is declining at an alarming rate, due mostly to the large scale removal of trees from private land to allow for development,” he said.

“Approximately 75 trees are removed each week somewhere in Stirling, mostly from residential land.

“Almost half of the tree canopy in residential areas will be lost over the next 15 years, leaving only 5 per cent of residential land being shaded by trees.”

Mr Henderson said the City was encouraging private landowners and developers to retain existing trees during development, or plant replacement trees on newly developed sites.

After community consultation, the policy will be referred to the West Australian Planning Commission and Planning Minister for final adoption.

It is likely that it will take 9 to 12 months before the policy and amendment are finalised.