Canning moves to toughen penalties for tree damage

Canning moves to toughen penalties for tree damage

19

What is the price of chopping down or damaging a public tree in Canning?

Right now, it is $250, but the City is considering raising that figure to $1,000.

Councillors last week voted to begin the process of amending the Local Government Property and Public Places Local Law 2021.

If adopted, the tougher rules would not only increase the penalty but also extend protection from street trees to include all trees on council property.

Mayor Patrick Hall said the change was important even though incidents of vandalism were relatively low.

“Street trees are a vital part of the City’s urban forest providing valuable shade, reducing surface heat and replenishing oxygen and the penalty is aimed at deterring costly vandalism to street trees,” he said.

He said the proposal also tied in with the City’s broader climate strategy.

“Deterring vandalism and protecting trees complements the City’s existing Climate Ready Canning Plan. As well as reducing risk from urban heat and flood mitigation, trees also store carbon dioxide, one of the major causes of climate change, as they grow,” he said.

“Protecting and increasing our urban forest canopy helps to reduce the impacts related to climate change.”

Mayor Hall said strengthening the law would also send a message to the community.

“By strengthening this local law, it signals to the community that street trees are a highly valued public asset that require protection,” he said.

“The increased penalties emphasise Council’s expectation that all residents and developers respect and care for the urban environment and understand the important ecological, aesthetic and community benefits that street trees provide.

“Ultimately, it reinforces that unauthorised removal or damage will not be tolerated and that Council is committed to upholding the long-term sustainability and liveability of the neighbourhood.”

The proposal will now go to public consultation for six weeks before councillors decide whether to adopt the change.