The Exceptional Tree Register

A great initiative from the City of Ballarat. The Exceptional Tree Register.

I encourage all Easties to have a look around you and if you see an exceptional tree (and i know you will) please ensure you have it added to the register. http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sh/exceptional-tree-register.aspx

Here are some I saw on my walk today…

Ballarat has a long and proud history of tree planting and is renowned for its extensive and diverse tree population. As the city grows, increased infill developments and subdivisions may have implications for trees throughout the city. Trees on private property and older, larger trees are particularly vulnerable to development and changes to land use.

The City of Ballarat Exceptional Tree Register is a formal list of significant trees in the municipality. The Register will identify and assist in the protection of these exceptional trees on private and public land.

Why create an Exceptional Tree Register?

Exceptional trees, both in the private and public realm, are an important and integral community and heritage asset to Ballarat. Many trees are protected under current planning scheme overlays however there is no comprehensive study identifying exceptional trees in Ballarat.

A formal Register identifying and protecting public and private trees in the Ballarat Planning Scheme provides recognition of the amenity, character and cultural value exceptional trees bring to the urban and rural environments.

How do I make a nomination?

All residents are invited to nominate public and private trees in the City of Ballarat to the Register. Nomination forms are available at The Phoenix, Armstrong Street South, Nominations for the initial Register are open from Thursday 1 May to Monday 30 June, 2014.  Download the brochure or Nomination Form.

Who will assess the Register nominations?

An expert panel including a Ballarat City Councillor, arborist, independent expert and community representative will assess nominations and determine the trees to be included on the Register.

What happens after the Register is created?

The City of Ballarat will prepare a planning scheme amendment in the Ballarat Planning Scheme to provide protection of the trees on the Register. This will allow for a public notification process to provide all stakeholders (including private land owners) to make submissions to the Register and the associated proposed planning controls.

So get on it Easties. Let’s show them how many fabulous trees we have here in the East. Claim our title of green!

Lets go hard, and get as many as we can on this list!

It will help us to save our trees for the future and maintain our green belt for the good of all of Ballarat.

Tags:trees