Trees matter on the Mornington Peninsula
The Shire is taking a proactive approach to tree management, and we want to hear your thoughts.
Trees shade our streets, shelter wildlife, and give the Peninsula its distinctive character. From the tall tree trails of Red Hill to the mysterious mangroves of Western Port, trees matter here. So does your voice on how we care for them.
About this policy
This draft Tree Management Policy explains how Mornington Peninsula Shire cares for trees across the region. It covers how we maintain and, when necessary, remove trees on public land, roadsides, and parks. It also sets out how we respond when trees pose a safety risk.
A dedicated policy means our community can trust that we make decisions about trees consistently, transparently, and with safety at their core. Our roadside vegetation and electrical safety programs ensure trees and branches don't create hazards on roads, footpaths, or near power lines, while still protecting the green canopy we value. Consistent, transparent decisions build community trust and help guide future investment in the Shire's urban forest.
About this Draft Policy
A 2022 Tree Management Audit highlighted that the Shire didn't have a formal policy for managing Council trees. The audit recommended the creation of a formal policy to strengthen consistency, transparency and risk management across the organisation.
One of the biggest gaps was around private property. Currently if a branch or tree from Shire managed land falls onto your property, it's your burden to deal with. This policy proposes to change that. The Shire would come and remove it for free, pending your permission and subject to community feedback on this proposal
- How Council manages trees on Shire-owned or Shire-managed land
- How tree risks are assessed and prioritised
- How Council responds to tree concerns and requests
- How trees are protected while meeting safety and access needs
Tree removal is considered a last resort.
- Trees not owned or managed by Council
- Neighbour disputes about private trees
- Natural impacts such as leaf, flower or fruit drop
Trees are one of the Peninsula's greatest assets — but like all natural features, they require careful management to ensure they remain a source of beauty rather than risk. A formal Tree Management Policy gives the Shire clear, enforceable guidelines to act on, whether that means responding to a storm-damaged branch overhanging a footpath, managing vegetation near powerlines, or assessing a tree that may pose a risk to a public space. Without a policy, responses can be inconsistent, and communities left uncertain about who is responsible when something goes wrong.
Protecting these landscapes while keeping residents, visitors, and infrastructure safe requires more than good intentions. It requires a committed, documented approach.
If you have trees on your nature strip or other Council-managed land, it's important to know what support is available to you. If a tree were to fall, would you have the resources to safely remove it? As part of our updated policy, we are asking whether you would be willing for the Shire to step in and remove a fallen tree from your property should this occur, ensuring that safety hazards are addressed promptly, regardless of a resident's capacity to respond.
Councillors have proposed a new budget allocation of $160,000 to support these initiatives. With growing expectations around safety, climate resilience and canopy protection, a contemporary, evidence-based policy is needed to guide long-term tree management.
We want to understand whether this investment reflects the community's priorities.
Have your say
This is a draft policy, and community input helps shape the final version. Whether you're a resident, a landowner, or simply someone who loves the Peninsula's landscape, your thoughts are welcome. Please complete the survey below.
