New scheme to replace trees lost to Adelaide building developments

Developers won’t be allowed to just cut and run under new rules aimed at stemming the loss of South Australia’s trees.

A proposed new tree-planting scheme is expected to be rubber stamped in late February.

Developers building new homes in certain areas across Adelaide must replace every tree lost due to construction, or pay up to $1200 per removed tree, under a proposed new State Government scheme.

The draft plan, which will be signed off in late February, aims to encourage tree planting and reduce canopy loss in urban residential areas.

It will apply in zones outlined in the proposed Planning and Design Code, including in Housing Diversity Neighbourhood, Urban Renewal Neighbourhood and City Living Zones.

These zones are generally high density council areas where tree planting needs to be encouraged. It will also be applicable in areas with a “designated soil type”.

Replacement trees must be the same size as the removed tree.

While the planting of replacement trees is preferred, when this is not possible – for example if the land has reactive soil – a developer can choose to pay into a planned Urban Tree Canopy Off-Set Scheme.

Planning Minister Vickie Chapman. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

A small tree (4m mature height) will set back a developer $300, while a medium tree (6m mature height) will attract a $600 contribution while a large tree (12m mature height) will cost $1200.

The fund can be used to plant trees in parks, reserves and nature strips, or to create new parks.

Payments will not be mandatory because the applicant can either opt to plant a tree or elect to contribute to the fund in lieu of planting a tree.

However, the Government warns if too many developers choose to pay into the fund rather than plant trees, it may increase the contribution amounts to act as a deterrent.

Planning Minister Vickie Chapman said the proposed scheme was established in response to feedback received during consultation for the Planning and Design Code.

“Feedback signified the need for stronger policy that reduced further loss of tree canopy,

protected significant and regulated trees, and provided a greater incentive for tree planting

and water sensitive urban design,” she said.

“This draft Scheme aims to increase urban green cover, while using the proposed Fund to

maintain and preserve trees in reserves and public land,” she said.

State Planning Commission chair Michael Lennon said the proposed policy was introduced after a cost-benefit analysis was undertaken.

“Importantly, councils that are experiencing residential infill development will be able to

access money held in the fund to provide for the planting, establishment and maintenance

of trees within reserves and public land in their area or for the purchase of land to ensure

tree preservation,” he said.

The plan will not affect existing rules relating to significant or regulated trees.