Red and green tape ‘strangling’ city development, says alderman

An eye-watering quote for a developer to be allowed to remove a single tree has left one alderman stunned and calling for an urgent review of the council policy. LATEST >>

AN almost $60,000 quote for permission to remove a tree at a Mt Nelson development has left one alderman in shock and calling for a review of Hobart’s tree policy.

Last week the Mercury spoke to the developer of two units at Mt Nelson, who was lost for words after being quoted $11,000 to be allowed to remove a gum tree, to make way for a five metre sewerage pipe.

Hobart City Council quoted $60,000 to take this blue gum tree down. Picture: Mireille Merlet

The quote later went up to nearly $60,000, which the council said was calculated taking into consideration the species, size, age, location, health and expected lifespan of the tree.

The council CEO also said four options had been considered, including a preferred option that did not require removal of the tree.

Alderman Simon Behrakis said the quote was too much.

“Charging $60,000, not even for the removal of the tree but just the right to remove it is a bit shocking,” he said.

“Being quoted that much to remove a tree not listed on the significant tree register does not pass the pub test in anybody’s view.”

Ald Behrakis believed there may be others in Hobart who were dealing with a similar situation.

“This isn’t a one-off issue,” he said.

“I’ve had people approach me who have said they’ve had similar issues – one had been quoted $20,000 to remove a tree to build a house.”

Alderman Simon Behrakis. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Ald Behrakis said he would be calling for a review of the policy at the next Hobart council meeting.

“At the end of the day if the fees they would have got charged were based on the existing council policy, that policy needs to be looked into,” he said

“Having a policy to encourage the retention of special trees is necessary but there needs to be a balance.

“It’s neither appropriate nor balanced.”

Ald Behrakis said it was another roadblock for those wanting to build homes during the housing crisis.

“We are dealing with the short supply of housing and the council has a part to play to facilitate building more housing,” he said.

“Policies like this only stand in the way of building housing and other developments we need.

“We don’t want to let the red and green tape strangle development in the city.”

Council’s hefty price tag to beat tree trouble

THE developer of two units at Mt Nelson said he was left scratching his head after being asked to cough up tens of thousands of dollars for the removal of a single eucalyptus tree on the property.

Jon Christian said the tree needed to be removed to make way for a 5m sewerage pipe.

But he said getting permission from the council caused headaches.

“There’s one tree standing in our way,” Mr Christian said.

“I don’t like cutting down trees, but we’re only talking one tree.”

The Hobart council asked for $60,000 to take this blue gum tree down. Picture: Mireille Merlet

He said at first the council had asked for $11,000 to be able to be remove the tree, but the amount increased to an eye-watering amount.

“That $11,000 fee, we said we’d be happy to pay, then it suddenly jumped up to near $60,000,” Mr Christian said.

“I’m lost for words.”

Director of JSA Consulting Engineers Matt Horsham said the situation took a bizarre turn when Mr Christian flagged he was willing to pay the extra cost.

“When he offered to pay council $60,000 to remove the tree their response was they didn’t want to remove the tree at all,” Mr Horsham said.

A five metre pipe needs to be installed, but a tree is in the way. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Mr Horsham believed there was nothing special about the tree.

“These trees are not listed on the Hobart significant tree registry, nor are they a protected species,” Mr Horsham said.

Mr Horsham claimed the solution suggested by the council was not suitable.

“We’re being pressured to design a dodgy solution which we then have to take responsibility for.”

JSA Engineering co-director Jane Sargison said many would be unaware of the cost.

“From our perspective, it’s important people are made aware this area of council is putting a huge price on individual trees,” Dr Sargison said.

“We’ve got a housing crisis in Tasmania and people would be hoping to move into these units in December or January.”

Jane Sargison and Matt Horsham with builder Cameron Helm in front of the tree the Hobart City Council wanted $60,000 for to cut down. Picture: Mireille Merlet.

Hobart CEO Kelly Grigsby said four options were identified.

“As a result, a preferred option that does not require removal of the tree has been identified by both the City of Hobart and TasWater,” Ms Grigsby said.

“Regarding the estimated cost in the event the tree was to be removed, an arborist undertook the assessment using the Council-endorsed Tree Amenity Valuation formula as per the Council tree compensation policy.

“Under this policy, the amenity value of the tree is calculated, taking into account the species, size, age, health and expected lifespan of the tree, along with its location and expected cost of replacement.

“The tree in question was rated highly under the valuation formula, due to its significant size – with a trunk in excess of 1m diameter, good health, and the fact it is an endemic species that provides a food source for a critically endangered native species.”

Originally published as Red and green tape ‘strangling’ city development, says alderman