What should I do in the case of an emergency or public safety issue?

In the case of an emergency situation, where a real and ongoing threat to life and property exists, an application to Council may be made by telephone.

If a Council Officer is not immediately available to provide an emergency assessment of a tree an independent Consulting Arborist, previously approved by council or qualified to AQF Certificate Level 4, preferably Level 5, may be asked by a concerned resident to assess the immediate hazard to life or property.

If such an independent arborist makes an assessment and recommends emergency work that would otherwise constitute an offence under this order, the council shall not hold the resident or property owner to be in breach of the Tree Management Order.

In this case the Council will require a general tree application, with the appropriate fee, to be retrospectively lodged along with both written and photographic evidence from the arborist that has been employed to assess the emergency situation.

• Introduction
• Why are urban trees important?
• What is a 'tree' according to the TMO?
• When do I need to put in a tree works application?
• What trees are exempt from the TMO?
• What work can I do without completing a tree work application?
• What will happen if I breach the TMO?
• How much does a tree work application cost?
• Who can apply to carry out work on a tree?
• What if I want my neighbour to work on their tree?
• Should I submit supporting information with my application?
• What happens after my application is lodged with Council?
• What if I'm unhappy with Council's decision?
• Who is responsible for approved work?
• What should I consider when replacing a tree?
• What happens to trees on proposed development sites?
• What do I do if a tree is damaged in a storm?
• What if it is an emergency or public safety issue?