Planning for effective tree management in Maribyrnong

Published on 17 September 2025

Council knows our community values trees and green spaces in our municipality and we have drafted a new Tree Management Policy to reflect that vision, ensuring consistent decision-making and transparency as we work towards our 20 per cent canopy coverage goal.

The draft Policy and its supporting Guidelines will guide Council on how we care for trees on public land, ensuring consistent decisions about planting, pruning, maintenance, and removals.

The Urban Forest Strategy 2018 targets 20 per cent canopy cover on public land by 2040 to help build resilience to climate change and urban heat, and the draft Policy and supporting Guidelines will help deliver that goal.

The draft Policy will apply to all trees on land that Council owns or looks after.

“Trees help provide cleaner air, shade, cooler streets, habitats for wildlife, and help contribute to our mental and physical wellbeing. Trees also help manage stormwater, reduce pollution, and support local biodiversity. The aim of the draft Policy and supporting Guidelines is to ensure we do all we can to support the management of trees in our municipality, for the benefit of all,” Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas said.

The draft Policy notes that where a tree has been removed, and the site is suitable for replanting, a replacement tree will be established in either the current to next planting season. Additionally, all options to retain trees must be explored before their removal is approved by Council.

Learn more about the draft Tree Management Policy and draft Guidelines, and share any comments at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/trees

Feedback closes midnight Sunday 19 October 2025.

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