Port Macquarie-Hastings Council reduces tree list backlog

A report about public tree management in urban areas said Port Macquarie-Hastings Council had recognised the need to increase financial resources allocated to addressing the tree list backlog.

An additional $96,000 was allocated to allow for more high-risk tree works to be completed during the 2017-18 financial year.

The result was a reduction from 966 listed tree works at the start of the 2017-18 financial year to 783 as at  October 1, 2018.

The report said the council had allocated an additional $96,000 for the 2018-19 financial year to allow for a continued effort in reducing the total number of listed tree works. 

Cr Peter Alley said the priority one trees which needed attention had reduced as a consequence of the improved investment.

Trees rated as priority one dropped from a total of 66 on July 1, 2017 to two on October 10, 2018.

Cr Geoff Hawkins said public tree works was an area which had been underfunded.

“This is a catch up and the staff are really focused on it and the councillors have supported it through the budget," he said.

“It’s a good outcome. We have to keep working on it and we will.”

Residents Action Network secretary Greg Franks said the inroads made were a step forward.

“Obviously it does cost more money to catch up on this backlog and that council has taken the initiative to spend some more money is certainly important,” he said.

Mr Franks questioned how the council prioritised the tree works.

“My concern is the trees they put this money to are actually the trees posing the greatest threat,” he said.

Earlier in 2017, RAN called on feedback from community members about their experiences with council in relation to dangerous trees.

The council has planned or implemented a number of actions to improve community awareness around public tree management.

These include a customer request auto-acknowledgment system to provide an initial acknowledgement to a customer’s request for a tree inspection and development of a brochure which identifies how the council staff assess risk, hazard and subsequently prioritise public tree works. 

Community members will also be able to view a monthly status update of council’s tree works list on the council’s website.

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