FAQs
- Horticultural value
- Location or landscape context
- Rare or localised
- Particularly old
- Outstanding size
- Aesthetic value
- Curious growth form
- Historic value
- Aboriginal culture
- Outstanding example of a species
- Remnant vegetation
- Outstanding habitat value
- Particularly resistant to disease or exposure
- An important source of seed or propagating stock
- Important landmark.
- Contribution to landscape, high visibility of the tree (for example presence on a ridgeline).
- Location within a historic cemetery or park.
- Unique location or context
- Endangered species (such as Eucalyptus strzeleckii).
- One of a limited number of examples of the genus/species in the township.
- Species or variety that is rare or of a very localised distribution
- A tree that is comparatively old for its species that exhibits good or fair health.
- A tree that is comparatively tall or has a large trunk circumference and/or canopy width for its species.
- A tree capable of prolific flowering and/or has attractive leaves.
- A tree with an expansive canopy that provides substantial screening.
- Is a better than an average example of its species, or in its particular location
- A tree that exhibits a curious growth form, from natural growth and/or pruning.
- Trees planted to commemorate a particular occasion, plantings by notable people or trees having association with an important event in history.
- Trees surviving from a previous landscape period (e.g. fruit trees that were part of an orchard before urbanisation)
- A scarred tree.
- Corroboree tree.
- Canoe tree.
- A tree that exhibits good form and health, reflecting an outstanding specimen of its species.
- Indigenous trees that estimated to be over 150 years old.
- Obvious hollows and/or nests.
- Roosting site.
- Trees already protected under a Heritage Overlay Control
- Species that are generally recognised as environmental weeds in Baw Baw Shire.
- Trees that are under 5m tall or have a diameter less than 15cm (at 1.3m above ground).
- Trees assessed by an arborist as having either poor health or poor structure.
- Trees that present an unacceptable risk of harm.
What is a Significant Tree?
Council has selected a set of criteria to identify and assess significant trees. The criteria are based on those developed by the National Trust of Australia and have been adapted for the local context.
When nominating a tree, you will be asked to identify the criteria that apply. While a tree only needs to be assessed as significant against one criterion to be included in the register, most trees will be significant for multiple reasons.
In Baw Baw Shire a tree can be identified as significant based on the following reasons:
What is the criteria for a significant tree?
You can use the criteria, descriptions, and examples below to help guide your nominations.
| Criteria | Description | Examples of attributes |
|---|---|---|
| A) Horticultural value | Any tree that is of outstanding horticultural or genetic value (e.g., could be an important stock for future propagation), including rare examples of local gene pools. | |
| B) Location or landscape context | Any tree that occurs in a unique location or context and contributes to the landscape. This includes important landmarks, historic gardens, cemeteries or parks, and trees that form part of an environmentally sensitive site. | |
| C) Rare or localised | Any tree species or group of trees that is/are rare in the wild or in cultivation or has a very localised distribution | |
| D) Particularly old | Any tree or group of trees that is/are particularly old or venerable for its/their species variant. | |
| E) Outstanding size | Any tree or group of trees that is/are outstanding for its height, trunk circumference, or canopy spread. | |
| F) Aesthetic value | Any tree or group of trees that because of their form or other attributes, show considerable aesthetic value. The loss of the tree would result in a substantial change to the local context. | |
| G) Curious growth form | Any tree or group of trees that is/are of outstanding interest because they exhibit a curious growth form or physical feature arising from abnormal outgrowths natural fusion of branches, natural damage, or pruning. | |
| H) Historic value* | Any tree or group of trees that is important to the cultural or natural history of the area. This includes trees planted to commemorate a particular occasion, plantings by notable people or trees having association with an important event in history (such as avenues of honour and memorial trees. It also includes trees surviving from a previous landscape period (e.g., fruit/nut trees that were part of orchards before urbanisation). | |
| I) Aboriginal culture** | Any tree or group of trees that has a recognised association with Aboriginal culture or heritage. | |
| J) Outstanding Example of a species | Any tree or group of trees that is/are an outstanding example of its species in terms of good form, structure, and health. | |
| K) Remnant | Indigenous tree/s that survive from the pre-European era | |
| L) Outstanding Habitat Value*** | A tree or group of trees with outstanding value as a habitat or niche for native flora and fauna. The tree is observed to have significant hollows for avian fauna or is clearly being used as a major food source for fauna. The presence of large raptor nests or numerous nests. |
*For trees that are nominated under criterion H (historic value) Council will need to engage a heritage consultant to confirm whether the tree meets this criterion and determine whether the tree should be included in the Heritage Overlay.
**For trees that are nominated under criterion I (Aboriginal culture) Council will need to engage a cultural heritage advisor to confirm whether the tree meets this criterion and if these trees should be included in the schedule of the Heritage Overlay.
***For trees that are nominated under L (outstanding habitat value) Council may need to engage an ecologist to confirm whether the tree meets this criterion.
What is the purpose of the Register?
The purpose of the Register is to identify trees that represent the ‘best of the best’ in Baw Baw Shire. The Register is not intended to identify all trees within the township areas of the Shire. Simply because a tree is particularly large, does not necessarily mean it will be assessed as significant.
For example, some Gum trees can grow relatively quickly to a considerable size, but every large Gum tree is unlikely to be assessed as significant. The assessment of nominated trees will include a comparison to other nominated trees of the same species.
Patches or rows of trees may be important for a range of habitat, landscape, or historical values. While significant as a group, or collection, individual trees might not be assessed as being individually significant.
Some of these areas may be better identified and protected through a different process (outside of the Significant Tree Register). For example, the application of a Heritage Overlay, or specific vegetation controls to protect roadside vegetation or areas of important habitat.
The Significant Tree Study will provide recommendations in relation to patches and rows of trees that may be important as a group or collection. However, these areas may not end up being included in the Register.
Why won’t nominations be accepted for trees in the Urban Growth Zone?
In Drouin and Warragul nominations will not be accepted for trees located in the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ) where Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) apply.
The Urban Growth Zone applies to land that has been identified for future urban development. The current Warragul and Drouin PSPs were prepared by the former Metropolitan Planning Authority, in consultation with Council, State agencies, and other stakeholders.
They were approved and introduced into the Baw Baw Shire Planning Scheme in October 2014.
The PSPs were developed as long-term strategic plans that set out the vision for land use and development outcomes in these areas. The PSP determines the use and development controls that apply and what permits may be granted and there are exemptions from notice and review rights.
Baw Baw Shire Council completed a review of the PSPs in 2021. The purpose of the review was to identify and document the issues and shortcomings of the current PSPs.
The review recognises 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 has committed to enhancing the performance and efficiency of the PSPs to ensure orderly development outcomes that better align with current requirements and community sentiments.
Native vegetation in the PSP areas is also offered a level of protection through Clause 52.17 - Native Vegetation of the Baw Baw planning scheme.
Why won’t nominations be accepted for trees in a Public Use Zone?
Nominations will not be accepted for land in the Public Use Zone (PUZ).
The Public Use Zone normally applies to public land owned or managed by a government department or public land manager.
It can apply to land where the surrounding zoning is inappropriate or there is a particular reason to separately identify land for planning purposes. Often this is when land is managed under legislation other than the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The Ministers for Education and Health are exempt from the Planning and Environment Act 1987, meaning tree protection controls under the Baw Baw Shire Planning Scheme would not apply to state schools or state hospitals and health facilities.
What trees won't be considered?
Nominated trees that display the following characteristics may not be considered suitable for inclusion on the register: