The City of Bunbury has stood by its decision to approve the new tree retention policy.
At its meeting on Tuesday, May 1, the council was split 5/5 over the new motion from the Policy Review and Development Committee.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan, as presiding member, then used his vote to carry the motion.
Amendments were proposed for the Policy and Associated Corporate Guideline following discussions between officers from the Landscaping and the Open Space and Planning divisions.
Mr Brennan said the policy strongly favoured the retention and maintenance of vegetation over removal practices.
“The basic approach regarding trees is that we want to retain them. The City wants to retain the trees we have,” he said.
“The City also recognises that some trees have to be removed if they cause a public safety issue or if they have died.
“We actually plant more than we remove.”
Mr Brennan said the City received “several hundred” requests from residents in the Greater Bunbury region each year.
Regular issues included bushes hanging over footpaths and foliage interfering with power lines.
Mr Brennan said the City advised for officers, and not members of the public, to prune the trees.
“We have got a very efficient customer service process here so residents can either call or come into our customer service centre,” he said.
“Their requests will then go through to our Parks and Gardens personnel who will then inspect the trees.”
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