Review of Tree Preservation Order - BCCT Letter to HSC

The General Manager

Hornsby Shire Council

PO Box 37

Hornsby NSW 1630

Attention Mr Peter Kemp

Manager Parks & Recreation

Re Review of Tree Preservation Order

Dear Sir,

The Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust wishes to thank Council for the opportunity to be involved in the review of the current Tree Preservation Order.

The Trust acknowledges that whilst a large portion of the 2119 post code area enjoys protection of all trees located in the Heritage Conservation Area we still have concerns with regard to the removal of trees throughout the Shire that are not indigenous to overall LGA.

Our concerns are:

1. Tree removal due to deliberate wrongful identification of tree species to gain a favourable outcome e.g a Blue gum or Blackbutt identified prior to removal as a Lemon Scented Gum or Spotted Gum. The Trust sees the only way to address this problem is that all trees are protected until either the Council or an authorised Registered Consultant Arborist recommend removal. The cost of the identification / inspection should be paid by the applicant.

1. Large healthy mature trees for example Oak, Elm, Liquidambar and Cedrus that make a significant contribution to the landscape amenity within a neighbourhood can be removed without consent whilst a short lived Green Wattle growing near by requires consent to be removed.

1. The removal of trees not indigenous to the Hornsby Shire results in loss of habitat, feeding opportunities for native birds especially those of the parrot family, reduced solar control, and loss of seasonal variation throughout our urban and rural communities.

1. The BCCT suggests that Council give consideration to a two part TPO. One section covering the rural areas within the shire and another for the urban precincts within the Hornsby LGA.

The Trust urges Council to consider adopting the Ku- ring- gai Council model that a development should support a specific number of trees based on the lot area. Preference should be given to planting species indigenous to the locality. This should also apply to development sites where trees are approved for removal as it would ensure that suitable replacements are planted to offset tree loss.

As a result of community feedback since the introduction of the current TPO the Trust is of the view that all trees irrespective of species growing throughout the Shire that display mature adult characteristics that are considered to be in good condition and make a contribution to the landscape and visual amenity within the locality should be preserved.

In conclusion the BCCT urges Council to give serious consideration to the matters raised with regard to preserving this valuable asset, which is enjoyed by our residents, friends and visitors to Hornsby Shire.

Yours faithfully,

Secretary

BCCT