Cardinia Shire Council is inviting community members to nominate any tree that deserves recognition and protection through our Cardinia Planning Scheme.
Residents, community groups, property owners and local organisations are encouraged to nominate any tree that plays an important role in shaping the identity and environment of our area.
Nominated trees can be located anywhere within the Shire, on public or private land in a garden, on a nature strip or in a public park.
Significant trees are those that receive a higher level of planning protection due to their size, age, rarity, ecological value, horticultural value or cultural and historical significance.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said the program is an important way to recognise and protect the natural assets that contribute to the character of the region.
"Whether it's a tree that has stood for generations one with cultural significance or simply a much loved feature of your neighbourhood, we encourage you to nominate it," Mayor Owen said.
"By nominating a tree, community members can play a direct role in helping protect and celebrate the natural beauty that makes Cardinia Shire such a special place to live."
How to nominate a significant tree
- We encourage you to first identify if the tree is already protected protected in the Cardinia Planning Scheme (via resources available on Creating Cardinia)
- Consider the assessment criteria such as age, historical and horticultural value, location, size and historical significance.
- Nominate a significant tree via the online Significant Tree Nomination Form.
If your nominated tree is declared significant and progresses to a future Planning Scheme Amendment, it could be protected by an appropriate planning overlay, such as a Heritage Overlay. Landowners will be consulted on any trees proposed for protection on their land. Any proposed buildings and works within the tree protection zone, or significant pruning, lopping or removal of significant trees, will require a planning permit.
Nominations are now open and can be submitted via Creating Cardinia, where residents will find assessment criteria and the online nomination form. Visit https://creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/Significant-trees
