Land Management Plan 2004 - 2050 Flinders University South ...

Land Management Plan
Significant Tree Report
Flinders University
South Australia
4. Management of Significant Trees
4.1 General Operational Guidelines
It is recognised that trees require occasional maintenance, such as pruning, to minimise the risk of damage to
life or property. As detailed in Section 2, there are a number of scenarios where “tree-damaging activities” are
permitted and do not require development approval.
If there are concerns over the health of the significant tree, and it is a potential threat to life or property, it is
advisable to contact the Mitcham Council for advice on possible solutions. For a “tree damaging activity” to be
undertaken on a significant tree, Council is likely to require the opinion of a qualified arborculturalist, ecologist or
botanist prior to making a decision. The cost for this service may need to be borne by the University. Operational
guidelines have been included as Appendix C; these are intended to allow for easy reference by field staff.
In the case of an emergency, it is permissible to undertake a “tree-damaging activity” on a significant tree
provided that it is for the purpose of protecting life or property. The activity must be undertaken to cause the
minimum amount of damage to the tree, and the landowner must apply for development approval as soon as
practicable after the event (no more than 4 weeks). Exemptions apply to work undertaken under Part 5 of the
Electricity Act 1996, relating to tree-trimming around powerlines, and also in operation of an order under Section
299 of the Local Government Act 1999.
It is worth noting that much of the campus has not been audited, therefore it would be prudent to assess the size
of individual trees prior to undertaking work, to ensure they are not inadvertently damaged or removed in breach
of the legislation. Likewise, the areas that have been audited contain a considerable number of trees that may
reach significant size in the future, therefore it is recommended that individual trees are assessed prior to
undertaking work that may impact upon them.
There are a considerable number of trees located adjacent to the boundaries of Flinders University that are
significant or have the potential to reach that size in future. Where these have potential to impact on Flinders
University property, it would be advisable to monitor their condition to allow appropriate maintenance to be
undertaken, thus minimising the potential risk of damage.
4.2 Conclusion
Significant trees are located throughout the Bedford Park campus, and are predominantly remnant River Red
Gums or other natives that have been planted since the University’s establishment in 1963. These trees form an
important component of the campus’ character, as they provide a visual relief from the built form as well as a
pleasant environment for students and staff alike. Their role as wildlife habitats and part of the region’s
biodiversity is also of significance.
With minimal interference, many of these trees should continue to fulfil these roles for some time to come.
Where significant trees are required to be removed, for safety or development reasons, replacement plantings
featuring appropriate, and where possible indigenous, species should occur to ensure the character of the
campus is not diminished.
⏐ FEBRUARY 2004 ⏐ PAGE 6