Clarke Street Koroit tree removal FAQ

A subdivision was approved for 316 Lake View Road, which also has frontages on Clarke Street.

The Planning Permit for this subdivision included the requirement for a stormwater management plan.

That plan recommended and upgrade to drainage in Clarke Street to accommodate increased stormwater expected from the subdivisions.

It was considered the upgrade could impact trees in Clarke Street and in order to determine the extent of that impact, an arborists report was requested. 

Yes, an independent arboricultural consultant did a detailed on-site consultation and that determined the trees could be a hazard and recommended they be removed. 

Yes, Council’s Works Supervisor Open Space is a qualified arborist, they reviewed the report and accepted the recommendations. 

Our investigation found a works in road reserve permit was not issued for the removal of the trees.

However given the evidence from the arborists report and the storm water management plan, issuing a permit was a formality that would have occurred.

Council will address the issue of not obtaining a permit prior to the removal of the trees with the proponent. 

Yes – Immediately following the removal of the trees Council officers requested that the proponent of the subdivision correspond with impacted property owners. In this correspondence they committed to offset planting which is scheduled to take place in mid-2024.

The developer will pay council to undertake this planting. 

Yes – residents in the immediate area can have input into the replacement tree species by contacting Council on 1300 656 564 and asking to speak with Nicholas Benyon. 

Replacement species will be guided by Council’s recently adopted tree management policy and procedure and from resident’s feedback.