Tree Management Strategy

Yass Valley Council is developing a Tree Management Strategy for the whole of the Yass Valley Local Government Area (LGA).

Background:

The Yass Valley, with a population of 17,647 (2024 ERP), encompasses a range of towns and villages, each requiring tailored tree management strategies within road reserves, open spaces, and recreation facilities.

In Yass, the largest urban centre, a structured tree maintenance and renewal program is essential to support amenity, shade, and safety across heavily used public areas. Murrumbateman requires ongoing planning for tree planting and care, particularly within its expanding network of road reserves and open space corridors. In Gundaroo and Sutton, proactive tree management will ensure that public spaces continue to meet community expectations and support local character. Smaller villages such as Binalong, Bowning, Bookham, and Wee Jasper benefit from the preservation and enhancement of existing tree assets, with maintenance programs aimed at ensuring safety, ecological value, and visual appeal across community spaces.

A consistent yet locally responsive approach will support a healthy, connected urban forest throughout the Yass Valley.

The Yass Valley Local Government Area is located on Ngunnawal Country, and we recognise the Ngunnawal People as the traditional custodians of the land.

Objectives:

A tree management strategy which outlines how Yass Valley Council plans to manage and maintain trees located on council owned/managed land including road reserves, open space, recreation facilities.

This strategy aims to enhance the urban environment across the Yass Valley local government area by increasing tree canopy cover, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. In addition to these environmental benefits, improved tree management will contribute to the beautification of public spaces, enhance community comfort, and support overall wellbeing. The strategy also helps ensure the health and safety of trees by addressing essential management needs such as pruning, pest control, and the mitigation of potential hazards. Through targeted planting, proactive maintenance, and the protection of trees within road reserves, open spaces, and recreation facilities, the strategy will deliver long-term ecological, aesthetic, and liveability outcomes for all towns and villages in the region.

What's Next:

Help Shape Our Future Green!

Please join us to help our consultants understand the values of the Yass community with regard to trees!

The Yass Valley community are invited to hear from the consultants and contribute your personal and/or community organisation views at the Community Workshop on Wednesday 25 February. To reserve your place, please RSVP to council@yass.nsw.gov.au or call our Customer Services Team on 02 6226 1477. Alternatively, the consulting team will be available to share their thoughts and hear your views at the drop-in session on Thursday 26 February.

If you cannot make the workshop or the drop-in session but would like to provide some information, please email your thoughts to council@yass.nsw.gov.au or leave your comments in the Guestbook below.