Vegetation Removal Offset Policy

Council and the community value the environmental and aesthetic contribution that individual trees, groups of trees and remnant native vegetation make to our natural and built environments. To protect existing vegetation Council restricts the removal of trees to only that which is necessary. Trees provide a wide range of benefits for local residents and visitors.

These benefits include increased comfort through shading and amenity values, habitat for birds and other wildlife, improved health and wellbeing for local residents, and increased property values. Trees achieve these benefits through ameliorating climate and environmental extremes (e.g. heat island effects, noise pollution, wind, airborne pollution); providing environmental benefits (e.g. carbon storage and sequestration, habitat and ecosystem restoration) and being pleasant to live near (providing benefits for mental health and wellbeing). The specific value of trees to urban residents may vary though, on average, the values are substantial.