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.
Community Consultation:
The consulting team held a workshop and drop-in session on the 25th and 26th February 2026.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation!
In light of the recently published book: The Making of Yass in which the birds of Yass were identified with photographic images , I would like to see exotic trees replaced by indigenous trees so that our native birds can thrive. Also I would like to see the Ornamental Pears in Comur Street and the 3 conifers beside the courthouse removed (they impede the visual magnificence of this iconic building). In order for us to feel a sense of place in our natural world we must plant appropriate indigenous plants as much as possible.