4 Forest Road, Blackburn VIC 3130

It is an absolute privilege living in such a beautiful area, and it is the presence of the trees that make it a very desirable place to live. Extensive research has shown that a canopy such as this increases the property value, improves human health due to increased oxygen levels and removal of pollutants, provides an environment for our native wildlife, and so much more (for example, see https://treenet.org/). With this in mind, the Urban Forest Strategy recommends a 30% tree canopy. Many residents in Whitehorse are working to achieve this goal to improve the environment in which we live but are only able to do it with immature trees. It is therefore inappropriate that fortunate residents wish to remove established trees that provide so many benefits.
I therefore ask that this submission be considered within the broader context rather than just the implications for those seeking an amendment to the Planning Permit.

In recent years, a number of established trees in the immediate area have already been removed, including mature trees across the road from this property. While any individual removal may appear minor in isolation, the cumulative loss of established canopy trees is having a noticeable impact on the character, amenity, biodiversity and environmental quality of the neighbourhood.

Established trees provide significant community benefits, including shade, habitat for birds and wildlife, improved air quality, reduced urban heat, stormwater management and enhanced streetscape character. These benefits take decades to develop and cannot be quickly replaced by new plantings.

I encourage Council to carefully assess whether the removal of these trees is genuinely necessary and whether all reasonable alternatives have been considered. If there is a clear and well-supported safety risk or evidence that the trees are declining beyond reasonable management, then removal may be justified. However, based on the information available, it is not apparent that such circumstances exist.

Given the ongoing loss of mature trees throughout the area, I believe a precautionary approach should be taken. Our community should be seeking opportunities to retain and protect established canopy wherever possible, rather than continuing to reduce it. Any decision to approve removal should be supported by strong arboricultural evidence demonstrating that retention is not a viable option.

Thank you for considering this submission.

I am alarmed by the recent influx of planning applications that include the removal of mature canopy trees. At this rate, we will never reach the 30% tree canopy cover that council has been working so hard to achieve. Many resident groups and individuals within our community are also working hard to protect our trees and environment and, in doing so, retain the liveability of this beautiful green, leafy part of the world that we are all so fortunate to live in. I ask that council please keep this in mind when considering this application. Thank you.