Do you have a favourite tree in the Kempsey Shire?

Published on 08 November 2024

We are considering significant trees in the Kempsey Shire and we need your help!

As part of our review of the current Kempsey Development Control Plan (DCP), Kempsey Shire Council is also reviewing its existing guidelines on trees and vegetation, including a schedule of prescribed trees, which is a list of trees that are significant to the community, and worth identifying and preserving.

There is an opportunity for the community to let us know about a tree, or trees, that you believe are of value. You can also tell us why they are considered valuable. The trees will then be assessed and considered for inclusion as we update provisions and guidelines.

It’s important to know that the schedule is just one part of the environmental guidelines within the DCP. Including a tree on the list means it would be identified as having community significance and worthy of preservation. However, it is also a ‘live’ list, which means trees still need to be safe and healthy, and can be added or removed as necessary and with good reason.

If there is a tree in your life which you feel is significant, located on public land, complete our short questionnaire and we’ll assess your suggestion to see if it fits the proposed significant tree criteria.

Some things to consider about the tree/s might be:

1. Amenity value –physical characteristics such as its height and public values like its importance to the surroundings.

2. Community value–its historical associations or community significance.

3. Botanic values –its scientific interest like local rarity, or ecological importance.

Identify a tree for consideration.

Survey will be open until 29 November. Respondents who give contact details will be acknowledged with a confirmation that their information has been received and their application will be considered within the overall review.

The DCP is a document which provides guidance and requirements for development in Kempsey Shire. It should be considered by anyone preparing a Development Application and is part of the assessment process. The DCP helps us all plan and understand the impacts of development, large and small.

The schedule of prescribed trees is just one part of the environmental considerations in the updated DCP that help manage existing vegetation and the character of our urban places.

The current schedule lists a few individual and groups of trees, such as the Frederickton Memorial Avenue, which were planted by Frederickton townspeople in 1919 to commemorate the town’s World War One veterans.

There are also several broad categories of trees which under previous conditions of Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) can merit preservation. However regulations have changed in the last ten years, so this aspect is currently being reviewed and updated.

NSW State legislation, development codes and standards change over time, reflecting new environmental and construction standards so it's important for us to update our own development controls to make sure that our local guidance is current, clear, consistent and easier to understand for everyone.

For more information on the DCP and where it’s up to in the review and update process, head to: ksc.pub/dcpreview