Question 1

Do I need an AQF Level 5 arborist report for council approval in Western Australia?

Accepted Answer

Not always.Whether an arborist report is required depends on the local government, applicable planning policy, the tree involved and what is proposed.An AQF Level 5 arborist report may be required where development could affect an existing tree, where removal or substantial pruning of a regulated or protected tree is proposed, or where tree health, condition or risk is being relied upon as part of an application.Some Western Australian local governments specifically require arboricultural reports to be prepared by a person holding an AQF Level 5 arboricultural qualification or recognised equivalent.

Question 2

When does a council require an arborist report for a development application?

Accepted Answer

A council may require an arborist report where proposed development has the potential to affect an existing tree that is required or proposed to be retained.This can include buildings, demolition, excavation, driveways, retaining walls, service installation, changes in ground level and other works near trees.A report may also be required where removal is proposed because of tree health, structural condition or risk.Requirements vary between local governments, so the planning policy and development requirements applying to the particular property should be checked.

Question 3

Which WA councils have adopted tree-retention policies based on the WALGA model?

Accepted Answer

A number of Western Australian local governments have adopted Tree Retention Local Planning Policies based on, or incorporating elements of the WALGA model.These have included local governments such as...Town of BassendeanCity of BayswaterCity of BelmontTown of CambridgeTown of ClaremontCity of CockburnCity of FremantleTown of Mosman ParkCity of NedlandsShire of Peppermint GroveCity of South Perth Town of Victoria Park.Policies are not identical between councils. Definitions, exemptions, approval requirements and assessment criteria may differ.The current policy applying to the particular property should therefore always be checked rather than assuming the same requirements apply across Perth.

Question 4

What is a regulated tree?

Accepted Answer

Under tree-retention planning frameworks used by a number of Western Australian local governments, a regulated tree is generally a tree meeting specified size criteria.Common thresholds may relate to tree height, canopy diameter or trunk circumference.Where a local Tree Retention Policy applies, removing a regulated tree or carrying out defined tree-damaging activity may require development approval unless an exemption applies.The exact definition and exemptions need to be checked against the current policy of the relevant local government.

Question 5

What is the difference between a regulated tree, significant tree and protected tree?

Accepted Answer

The terms have different meanings and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.A regulated tree generally meets measurable criteria established by a planning policy, such as height, canopy spread or trunk size.A significant tree may be recognised because of factors such as age, size, species, historical or cultural association, landscape contribution, rarity or environmental value. Some councils maintain Significant Tree Registers.Protected tree is a broader term that may describe a tree protected through a planning scheme, planning policy, development approval, register or another statutory mechanism.What matters is the definition applying under the relevant local government policy or approval.

Question 6

Can a council require me to retain a tree on private property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some circumstances.A tree on private property is not automatically exempt from planning controls because the land is privately owned.A local planning policy may require approval before a regulated tree can be removed or substantially damaged, and tree retention may form part of the assessment of a development proposal.The requirements depend on the planning framework applying to the property.

Question 7

Can a development application be affected or refused because of impacts to existing trees?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Where an existing tree is protected by a planning policy, development approval, planning scheme or another applicable requirement, the proposed impact on that tree can form part of the planning assessment.This does not mean every encroachment near a tree automatically prevents development.Relevant considerations may include tree condition, retention value, proposed encroachment, location of disturbance, design alternatives, protection requirements and the conclusions of the arboricultural assessment.

Question 8

What should a council-ready arborist report actually contain?

Accepted Answer

The content depends on why the report is required.It may include site and tree identification, measurements, species, tree health and vitality, structural condition, photographs, relevant defects, risk assessment, development impacts, tree-protection requirements, applicable standards or planning policies, conclusions, recommendations and assessment limitations.Where development is involved, plans identifying tree locations and relevant protection areas may also be required.A council-ready report should directly answer the planning or arboricultural issue for which it was requested rather than relying on a generic tree-inspection template.

Question 9

Who is qualified to prepare an arborist report for a WA council?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary between local governments.Where a council specifies an AQF Level 5 arborist, this generally means a person holding a Diploma of Arboriculture or recognised equivalent, together with suitable experience and appropriate professional insurance.The wording of the particular council requirement should always be checked.

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