Maribyrnong council will strengthen its tree protection rules following the destruction of a significant oak tree on a Footscray property.
The tree, understood to be more than 120 years old, was completely removed last month despite an urgent plea to the state planning minister for interim protection.
An arborist contracted by Maribyrnong council found the tree could have survived an initial heavy lopping, but had little chance of being saved after further chainsaw cuts on the trunk made after the protection order was requested.
The Hyde Street property that contained the tree had been bought by a local developer.
Maribyrnong Council has no laws that could be used to protect the tree, despite the likelihood it would have qualified for listing on the National Trust’s register of significant trees had it been assessed in time.
Maribyrnong planning services director Nigel Higgins told last month’s council meeting the council’s arborist had twice visited the tree, believing it to be in good health on the first visit despite the removal of 40 per cent of the canopy.
“However, after the second visit, with the subsequent damage carried out by the owner, the tree was not considered viable for the long-term,” he said.
“We are currently reviewing opportunities for tree registers and tree protections, so we will be bringing to council early in the new year a range of options for the council to consider with respect to the latest thinking on tree protection registers.”
Mr Higgins said the report, due in February, would also look at how to ensure there is a sense of community engagement in the process.
