Do urban trees block views – or create them? Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
More tree canopy in urban areas, less vandalism and clear, consistent guidelines for tree management sound straightforward enough.
The principles underpin Wollongong City Council’s Tree Management Policy, which has just been reviewed, but it’s drawn the ire of some councillors.
Councillor Dan Hayes believes trees in Wollongong are “too protected” and wants limits on developers rolled back.
“A tree should not affect a development,” he said.
“A tree can be replanted, a childcare centre cannot.
“This policy is not only odd but wrong.
“On page four it says the pruning or removal of trees on private properties for views will not be approved. I strongly disagree.”
Councillor Ryan Morris supported Cr Hayes’ arguments.
“I’m not going to double-tap everything Cr Hayes mentioned,” Cr Morris said.
“I would like to see more work done on this policy.”
The policy was subject to a comprehensive review in 2023, which included extensive community consultation.
The current review was intended to focus on updating statistical information and some wording.
The council also has in place an urban greening strategy, which aims to double tree canopy cover across the Wollongong LGA to 35 per cent by 2037.
Greater tree canopy cover can help keep the surrounding air up to two degrees cooler on hot summer days and under cover, shade and transpiration from trees can reduce the heat by up to 20 degrees, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Councillor Linda Campbell said the policy was a reflection of the community’s beliefs, not that of individual councillors.
“As part of that [2023] review we did extensive consultation with neighbourhood forums and community groups,” she said.
“That major review was less than two years ago … this review is a minor tweaking.”
Councillor David Brown agreed with her.
“This is a difficult policy area,” he said.
“You can’t satisfy everybody and people have very divergent views.
“The policy as it is is flexible enough to satisfy most demands and is much less restrictive than it was previously.
“I have had fewer tree complaints since we adopted this policy and I would advise we let this sleeping dog lie.”
The review was carried as is, with Councillors Linda Campbell, Ann Martin, David Brown, Tiana Myers, Richard Martin, Dierdre Stuart, Kit Docker, Jess Whittaker, Thomas Quinn and Lord Mayor Tania Brown voting in favour of the policy.
Councillors Dan Hayes, Ryan Morris and Andrew Anthony voted against it.
