Trees could be saved in future if law change goes through

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A proposed change to state planning laws could prevent any more tragedies like the recent felling of two decades-old Norfolk Island pine trees in Murray Bridge.

Two significant trees on Mannum Road were allowed to be cut down earlier this year to make way for a childcare centre, to the disappointment of some locals.

At present, no legal protection exists for noteworthy trees outside the Adelaide metro area, regardless of their height or age.

But that may be about to change.

A proposal by the State Planning Commission would allow trees to be designated for protection anywhere in the state; and would introduce new incentives for property owners to retain trees instead of cutting them down.

At present, in Adelaide, developers who want to remove a “significant” tree – one with a trunk at least two metres around – have to pay $1500 into a tree-planting fund.

Those who plan to remove “regulated” trees, of half that size, pay $1000.

The new rules would extend that protection to the Murraylands, then go further still.

Builders of new homes or neighbourhoods would be required to keep any large, mature trees.

As a trade-off, they would be allowed to build closer to significant trees than they are at present.

Public consultation on the State Planning Commission’s proposal has not yet started.

For what it’s worth, the developer of the Mannum Road childcare centre planned to replace the pine trees with newly planted natives, including “tall trees, low-level shrubs, and groundcovers adjacent (to) the building and car park to soften their appearance and provide shade”.

• More information:Visit plan.sa.gov.au or, for the current rules which apply in Adelaide, plan.sa.gov.au.