Moira Shire Council has developed a comprehensive draft Tree Management Policy, which aims to improve the vibrancy and climate resilience of our urban landscapes and improve amenity for residents and visitors. This policy recognises public trees as valuable community assets that provide essential benefits including shade, cooling, carbon reduction, and improved quality of life for residents and visitors.

The policy sets an ambitious target to expand our urban tree canopy coverage to 15% by 2035, and is focused on maintaining and improving safe, diverse and healthy trees on all public land under Council's management.

Your feedback will help us balance environmental benefits with practical considerations, ensuring our tree management approach meets the needs of our growing communities while adapting to a changing climate.

How to Engagee

📝 Review - read the draft Tree Management Policy on the right-hand side menu.

💬 Forum board – Share your comments and ideas in the discussion below.

📧 Email us – Send your feedback directly to info@moira.vic.gov.au.

📞 Call us – Speak with our Parks and Gardens Team at (03) 5871 9222

The policy's four key management areas

  • Tree protection

    • Council will invest in protection and maintenance of public trees as long-term assets
    • Trees will be protected during construction works using Australian Standards (AS 4970-2009)
    • "Remarkable" trees will be identified in a register reviewed after each Council election

  • Tree retention and removal

    • Tree management decisions will prioritise risks to people and property
    • Projects will conserve trees where practical; when removed, replacement on 2:1 basis required
    • Removal only permitted when alternatives are impractical due to cost or design challenges

  • Canopy expansion and site selection

    • Focus on planting "right trees in right locations" as long-term investment
    • Species selection based on site conditions, landscape context, and climate
    • Urban tree planting integrated into overall urban design

  • Notification and consultation

    • Community consultation for tree management, removal, and replacement
    • Community engagement in planning and species selection
    • Awareness raising about tree benefits through website and social media

Council is collecting the information contained in this engagement tool to help Council understand the community's views on the draft Tree Management Policy.

Your responses will reviewed by Council staff as part of reviewing the draft policy. Your responses (excluding any identifying information and any moderated comments) may also be made publicly available on Council’s community engagement platform, Moira Matters and may also be included in on official Council Agenda and Minutes which are public documents and available on Council's website. Council may also disclose your information if required or authorised to do so by legislation.

You can find out more about how we use and protect your information by viewing our Privacy Policy. If you require access to the information you have provided, please contact Council.