Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Is Council aware of the actual wording of the State Government’s 10/30 rule which specifies removal of trees and vegetation for fire prevention purposes and also the requirement that this rule applies to buildings that are used for accommodation and if so, why are abuses of the 10/30 rule in urban areas of the shire particularly in Eltham appear to be going unchecked. Cr Ken King, Mayor, responded: Council is aware of the specific wording of the provision and that it relates to existing buildings used for accommodation. Council sought a declaration from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal which determined that there was no legitimacy test to be applied to the provision. All complaints and requests are investigated and checked for compliance with the planning scheme. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Is Council aware that gangs of tree loppers are door knocking in Nillumbik and asking people if they want trees removed and if so what action if any is Council taking on abuses of the 10/30 rule which are occurring as a result? Cr Ken King, Mayor, responded: Council is aware of operators soliciting work for tree removal and have spoken to some of these operators. If an investigation reveals that there has been a breach of the Planning Scheme then the appropriate action would be taken. However, in the majority of cases the works have been within the 10/30 provisions. |