The proposed policy supports the City of Gosnells’ objectives to increase urban canopy, mitigate urban heat, protect biodiversity, and maintain neighbourhood character across the City.

The draft policy is proposed to apply to all privately owned land in the City of Gosnells.

Under the draft policy, this typically includes trees that:

• Are 8m or more in height (as shown in mapping produced by Urban monitor – DataWA)

• is a tree planted as required by a replanting condition of a development or subdivision approval issued for the removal of a regulated tree.

No. The policy excludes:

• Weeds (contained on a State or Local weed register)
• Palm trees

All regulated trees will be shown on the City’s mapping. If the policy is approved, the City will notify all residents who have a regulated tree on their property.

Yes, if:

• The tree meets the policy’s height threshold (8m).
• The tree was planted as a replanting condition of development or subdivision approval.

Tree removal may also be assessed as part of a broader development application.

$147

Yes, exemptions may apply where:

• Removal of the tree is required to be undertaken urgently due to public safety, safety or security of plant, buildings or equipment, maintenance of essential services or protection of the environment.
• Removal of the tree is part of an approved Bushfire Management Plan.
• Removal of the tree is expressly required in response to plant biosecurity issues.

• Removal of the tree is required in accordance with a notice issued under the Local Government Act 1995 relating to obstructive and/or dangerous tree removal (detailed in Schedule 3.1).
• Removal of the tree is required in accordance with the requirements of the City of Gosnells Fire Hazard Reduction Notice.

Applications will be assessed to:

• Maximise retention of existing mature trees
• Encourage site-responsive design
• Minimise unnecessary clearing

Design changes may be required to retain significant (regulated) trees.

Yes. If a proposal results in the unnecessary loss of regulated trees without adequate justification, the City may refuse or require redesign.

Depending on the proposal, you may need:

• Site plan identifying all trees and proposed works
• Tree survey (showing size, species, health)
• Arborist report if the reason for the tree removal is due to the health of the tree
• Tree Protection Plan (for construction impacts)

Typically required when:

• Removal of a regulated tree is proposed due to its poor/declining health
• Tree condition or safety is disputed
• Works may impact retained trees

A TPZ is a defined area around a tree to protect roots and structure during construction, usually calculated based on trunk diameter.

Conditions may include:

• Installation of protective fencing
• No excavation or storage within the TPZ
• Supervision by a qualified arborist

Yes, generally where removal of a tree is granted. Replacement requirements may include:

• Planting of one or more new trees on-site (minimum size specified)
• New tree planting may include the verge if there is insufficient room on the site
• Cost of new tree planting paid by applicant/landowner.

Yes. The City will advocate tree retention through:

• Referral comments to WAPC
• Subdivision design review
• Structure planning processes

Design responses may include:

• Retaining trees within public open space (where public open space is proposed)
• Modifying lot layout
• Adjusting road alignments

Unauthorised removal may result in:

• Planning enforcement action (prosecution)
• Requirements for replacement planting
• The requirement to lodge a development application for retrospective approval

Yes. The City may inspect sites before, during and after development to ensure compliance with approval conditions.

Retaining mature trees delivers significant local benefits:

• Reduces heat in suburbs
• Improves stormwater management
• Enhances property values and neighbourhood appeal
• Supports local wildlife

The policy supports:

• Western Australian Planning Commission’s Urban Greening Strategy
• Residential Design Codes (tree retention emphasis)

You can contact:

• City of Gosnells Development Services Team on 9397 3000
• City’s website