Canning in Western Australia has instituted a Significant Tree Register to protect the most exceptional trees in the city, and one councillor is even exploring paying ratepayers for acknowledging significant trees.
“I believe the city needs to seriously consider financial incentives to motivate property owners to place their eligible significant tree onto the city’s register,” said Canning Councillor Ben Kunze.
In a Facebook post Mr Kunze confirmed the council administration would produce a report on the proposed scheme by March 2025.
Trees have many environmental and socio-cultural benefits. They can be enjoyed by current and future generations, reduce urban heat island effects, provide habitat for native fauna and are important for biodiversity.
The City of Canning’s Urban Forest Strategy outlines projections and targets for the creation and enhancement of a resilient urban forest over the next 20 years, and one objective is to encourage the retention and planting of trees.
While most trees are worthy of protection where feasible, Significant trees are trees which have exceptional characteristics that make them highly valuable and worthy of being afforded a greater level of protection under Local Planning Scheme No. 42 (PDF 490KB). A Significant Tree Register identifies these trees. The first Significant Tree Register (PDF 2.3MB) was adopted at the 19 April 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting.
What is the Significant Tree Register?
The register is a document that lists the trees in an area which are considered to be outstanding for one or more reasons and which are therefore particularly worthy of protection. The register sets out a description of each significant tree, its location and the reason for its protection.
Download the latest register (PDF 2.3MB).
What is the purpose of the register?
To protect individual or groups of trees that are highly valued in the community, outstanding and valuable. A Significant Tree meets at least one of the following categories of significance:
* Scientific
* Historical
* Social
* Aesthetic, or
* Spiritual.
For more information, please contact the City Greening Team via parks.admin@canning.wa.gov.au or call on 1300 422 664.