Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents and landholders across the Shire to nominate their favorite trees to Council's Significant Tree Register.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve, explained, "All residents and landholders can now nominate trees of ecological, cultural, or historical significance wherever they are located across the Shire. With National Tree Day on 28 July 2024 just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate and protect our precious green assets by nominating a tree for the Significant Tree Register."
"Once the nomination is confirmed by a panel of specialists, the tree's species, location and details will be added to our Significant Tree Register for protection into the future," said the Mayor. "This initiative not only preserves the natural beauty of our region but also honors the heritage and ecological value of these magnificent trees."
The Significant Tree Register is an important element of the Bass Coast Urban Forest Strategy. The Register will be supported by Council's adopted Local Law to ensure appropriate regulatory management for protected and significant trees.
Tree nominations can be made easily through the interactive form where users can also view the trees currently included in the register. With a mobile phone or tablet in hand, photographs and other information can also be submitted whilst individuals are on-site, standing next to their favourite tree.
Each nomination will be assessed by a specialist panel against specific criteria. Once confirmed, the tree will be registered and displayed on the publicly available map. This map can be viewed online by developers, residents, contractors, and others prior to considering future on-site works or to check whether trees are already placed on the register.
Heavy penalties can be applied for damage to, or removal of trees on the Bass Coast Significant Tree Register.
We look forward to celebrating this new register which our local community have spent years advocating for. We invite everyone to come along and have their say and celebrate the wonderful trees in the region that are special to people and the environment.
Community information sessions are being held to explain how trees can be registered and make it to the Significant Tree Register. Details will be provided soon.
