Significant Tree Study Project Timeline
2019 - The Baw Baw Shire Council Significant Tree Register
Baw Baw Shire Council established a Significant Tree Register in 2019. The register is limited to significant tree assets on public land or land managed by Council - in Drouin.
It was established with significant input from Friends of Drouin’s Trees, who identified and mapped the trees with guidance from Baw Baw Shire Council on assessment criteria.
The Significant Tree Study recognises this important body of work and the community engagement that supported its development. These tree assets will be reviewed as part of the Significant Tree Study and have been overlayed on the mapping tool for reference.
2021 - Review of the Precinct Structure Plans
Baw Baw Shire Council completed a review of the Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) in 2021.
The purpose of the review was to identify and document the issues and shortcomings of the current PSPs. The review recognised concerns about the rapid rate of development in the two towns since 2014, the suburban-type developments that compromise the unique rural character and natural environment of Baw Baw, and the difficulties planners and developers are experiencing when using the PSPs.
Council committed to enhancing the performance and efficiency of the PSPs to ensure orderly development outcomes that better align with current requirements and community sentiments.
August 2023 - Significant Tree Study: Background Report
The Baw Baw Shire Council – Significant Tree Study: Background Report prepared by Greenwood Consulting provides background and context to the Significant Tree Study. It includes:
- A review of relevant government plans, policies, and strategies.
- Identification of protection mechanisms available within the Victoria Planning Provisions.
- A review of significant tree assessment criteria.
The report is informed by reviews of similar studies completed by other Councils (and implemented via changes to the planning scheme) and consultation with Council staff and the Friends of Drouin Trees and the Friends of Warragul Trees.
October 2023 - Community Nominations
From Monday, 9 October 2023 to Friday, 2 February 2024 we're seeking nominations of potentially significant trees from community members across Baw Baw.
Nominations will then be assessed against the significant tree criteria.
February - May 2024 - Review of Nominations and Field Assessments
Following the nomination period Greenwood Consulting in consultation with Council staff will complete a desktop review of all nominations. This process will determine which of the nominated trees are likely to meet the significance criteria and will be assessed in the field.
The field assessment will record the health, structure, and likelihood of failure along with key measurements (height, spread, and diameter). It will also include an assessment against the significance criteria. The field assessments will provide the basis for recommendations on whether the tree meets the threshold for being considered a significant tree, or not.
The review of nominations and field assessments will be completed from February to May 2024, after the nomination period has closed.
Mid 2024 - Developing the Significant Tree Study
The Significant Tree Study will include the registry of significant trees, along with:
- Tree protection measures for trees in the Registry.
- Recommendations for changes to the planning scheme, including the justification for these changes.
- A review process for future management of the Register.
The study will be subject to community consultation before being finalised in early 2025.
2025 - Planning Scheme Amendment
Once the Significant Tree Study is finalised, the intention is for Council to adopt the Study and commence preparation of a planning scheme amendment to implement the recommendations of the Study.