Tree and Bushland Preservation
The City of Mandurah has introduced local laws designed to retain and protect trees and natural vegetation. Without these laws, many iconic trees may be needlessly cut down or damaged.
Many significant old growth trees have been retained within the urban environment which some may not recognise as an important achievement in such a fast growing city. Tuart (eucalyptus gomphocephala), marri (corymbia calophylla) and jarrah (eucalyptus marginata), are among Mandurah’s most iconic eucalypts and take many decades to mature, with some specimens well in excess of 300 years of age.
In addition to remnant native trees, planted exotic species also make important contributions to the look and feel of Mandurah. The eastern foreshore would not be the same without its avenue of Moreton Bay figs and the tall, stately palms which grace Tuckey’s House. The landmark fig on Stingray Point is also an important historic landmark. All of these have been afforded protection on the City’s Significant Tree Register.
Amendment 75 was gazetted on 15 January 2008 providing greater protection for trees and bushland and introducing the Significant Tree Register into Mandurah’s local legislation. Section 6.5 of the City's Town Planning Scheme No 3, Tree and Bushland Preservation, states that the ring-barking, cutting down, topping, lopping, removing, pruning, transplanting, filling or excavating around, injuring, (whether by injecting anything or otherwise) or wilful destruction of any bushland or tree(s), which is of a height greater than three metres and has a branch spread greater than three metres in diameter, is prohibited without prior planning approval within the designated tree preservation areas as outlined below:
- On any land parcel, regardless of zoning, with an area greater than 4000m²;
- On R2, R2.5 and R5 zoned lots (lots approximately 2000-5000m² in area);
- On any land with a gradient in excess of 10 per cent.
- On any land within 120 metres of a water body whether it be natural or artificial (excluding canals).
- Any tree which has been nominated OR endorsed by Council for inclusion on to the City of Mandurah Significant Tree Register and
- In nominated Tree Preservation Areas [including but not limited to Country Road Estate, Timbers Edge Estate, eastern Lakelands, Gordon Park Estate.
Exemptions apply as detailed in the information handout.
