FAQs

Trees provide many benefits to the community. They improve our environment, make places more attractive and provide shade and habitat for wildlife.

A Tree Management Policy helps Council manage trees on Council-managed land in a clear, consistent and fair way.

The policy sets out Council's approach to tree management and provides guidance for future plans, procedures and day-to-day decisions.

Having a clear policy helps Council make decisions more consistently and helps the community understand how and why those decisions are made.

The policy explains how Council manages trees on Council-managed land, including how decisions are made about planting, protecting, maintaining and removing trees.

It also outlines how Council supports tree planting and protection across the municipality through planning, local laws and community engagement.

The Urban Tree Plan sets the long-term vision for growing and improving Wangaratta's urban tree canopy.

The draft Tree Management Policy supports this by explaining how Council makes tree management decisions in its day-to-day work.

The policy works alongside the Urban Tree Plan and does not replace it. 

Yes. Council will consider requests about trees on Council-managed land on a case-by-case basis.

When making a decision, Council considers factors such as the tree's health, safety risks, impacts on infrastructure, site conditions and community benefit.

Tree removal is a last resort and will only be considered when other reasonable options are not suitable.

Requests can be submitted through Council’s Report, Request or Feedback form on the Rural City of Wangaratta website, or by calling Customer Service on 03 5722 0888.

Council will review all feedback received during the consultation period.

Your feedback will help Council decide whether any changes are needed before the policy is finalised and presented to Council for consideration.