Northern Beaches Council is inviting feedback on a new draft Tree Management Policy that aims to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas.

The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy  

“This initiative underscores our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the region's exceptional tree canopy coverage, which with an estimated 12 million trees is among the highest for an urban council in Australia.  

"Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

The new draft policy provides: 
•    a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees 
•    supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
•    preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
•    prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees

For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page. The policy will be on exhibition from 24 February 2025 to 30 March 2025.