Planning scheme update will better protect trees

The State Government has approved new tree clearing controls amongst recent amendments to Noosa’s planning scheme.

“For most property owners the changes won’t make a lot of difference,” says Council’s Planning and Environment Manager Kerri Coyle. 

“However, if you wish to lop a tree because you’re worried it is unsafe or too close to your house, you’ll need to lodge an application with Council. It is free to apply.”

Ms Coyle said Council had to amend the current scheme to include tree-clearing because of a Sunshine Coast Council decision prior to de-amalgamation.

“During the amalgamated years, the council decided not to continue with the three former shires’ individual sets of local laws which controlled vegetation clearing. Instead they created a temporary planning scheme provision as a short-term way to regulate these matters.

“That provision has lapsed, so these new amendments simply make sure Noosa Council can continue to control tree clearing until our new planning scheme takes effect.”

Ms Coyle said tree clearing controls were one of the reasons Noosa was so leafy. 

Trees in urban areas significantly reduce energy consumption in summer. Studies have noted that the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-sized air conditioners. And of course trees also prevent erosion. Furthermore, they filter wind, noise and air pollutants. On top of that they store carbon and produce oxygen.

“We’ve hosted an information afternoon for local tree lopping businesses to explain the changes to them in more detail and answer their questions,” Ms Coyle said.

The changes are among various planning scheme amendments Council proposed in 2014 to freshen up Noosa’s 10-year-old planning scheme. Those changes have finally been approved by the State Government. 

All changes will be reassessed as Council develops its new planning scheme. The first stage of public consultation on the planning scheme is now beginning. Visit Council's YourSay Noosa website for more information.

28 October 2016