We are looking for ways to expand and protect tree-canopy coverage throughout Glen Eira because our community consistently tells us it’s an important priority.  

We have some of the lowest levels of tree-canopy coverage of any Melbourne council and Glen Eira’s tree canopy declined by an alarming 50 per cent between 2000 and 2021. Our aim now is to protect what’s left and grow our tree canopy from 12.5 per cent to 22 per cent by 2040. 

We are considering introducing a local law to protect tree canopy coverage. Council has not yet made any decision on the proposed local law, but if adopted, it would require a permit from Council to remove or significantly prune a tree over a certain size on private property. 

What does the draft Canopy Tree Protection Local Law include? 

A tree would be protected if it: 

• is taller than five metres with a trunk circumference of 140cm when measured at a height of 1.4 metres from the ground; or  
• is a palm tree taller than eight metres from the ground. 

A permit would be required to remove or significantly prune these trees. These permits would not cost anything.  

You would not require a permit to remove or prune these protected trees to make a hazard safe, such as after storm damage. 

We know some people have asked if you would still be able to prune a tree protected under the local law without a permit. The short answer is yes. The detail in the draft allows pruning of these trees once a year, providing that no more than 10 per cent of the canopy is removed. 

Adopting a Canopy Tree Protection Local Law is not an unusual step for a council to take. Councils across Melbourne, including several that border Glen Eira, already maintain and protect canopy tree cover successfully with their own local laws. 

What happens next? 

Council has deliberately engaged with the community to get feedback on the proposed local law. We want to know what people think. We know there is a strong demand for action on our tree canopy and it is important we explore options to protect it.  

Timeline

Tuesday 28 May – Special Council meeting  

• People will have the opportunity to speak to their submissions on the draft local law.  
• No decision will be made at this meeting.    
• The meeting will be open to the public and will also be livestreamed on Council’s website. 

May – September 

• Council will consider all feedback and submissions. 

Tuesday 17 September – Ordinary Council Meeting 

• Council will decide whether to proceed with the proposed local law; proceed with a local law but with amendments to the current draft; or not to go ahead with the proposal.   
• The meeting will be open to the public and will also be livestreamed on Council’s website. 

For more information and to read the frequently asked questions and the draft local law, visit: www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/canopy-tree-protection-local-law