$50,000 fund for protected trees
A $50,000 Council fund has been set up to help Waipā landowners maintain protected trees on privately-owned land following a review of the Council’s Tree Policy.
Under the former Tree Policy, Waipa District Council managed the inspection and maintenance of 98 protected trees across the district, most of them in Cambridge. While legal liability for protected trees has always been with tree owners, historically the Council has organised inspections and undertaken maintenance on behalf of the community.
Today, following legal direction and after consultation with affected landowners, Councillors decided to stick with an original proposal to set up a $50,000 Protected Tree Fund to cover maintenance costs. A small number of owners had opposed the Fund, saying Council should bear responsibility for the trees on private land.
Community Services Manager Sally Sheedy said today’s decision meant landowners would be able to arrange the inspection and maintenance of protected trees on their own property themselves, but that Council would pick up the costs for that work should their application meet the set criteria. An original proposal to cap financial support at $2,500 per tree, per year was removed after discussions with landowners.
“Tree owners can choose themselves whether or not they wish to apply for financial assistance – that is entirely up to them. But Council recognises the community value of these trees and feels it appropriate that the community continue to contribute to their upkeep,” Sheedy said.
Over the last three years, Council has spent an average of $51,678 on protected tree maintenance and inspections. But there are now 20 less protected trees in the district to maintain, following changes to the District Plan.
“We are confident enough money will be there to cover all the work needed on an annual basis.”
The decision from today’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee meeting was made after Councillors received legal advice from Atkin Holm Majurey Ltd around alternative options, including foregoing the Fund and instead establishing individual agreements with landowners. Councillors also received legal advice on liability and insurance risks.
Council will be preparing and and sending out information to protected tree owners offering assistance on how to apply to the Fund.