The National Trust is concerned by widespread tree removals occurring as part of Victoria’s major infrastructure projects. 

For many years we have classified landscapes of significance to Victorians, and also recognised the importance of our trees via the maintenance of the state’s longest running and most comprehensive Register of Significant Trees. This is work that we continue to do, as we seek legal protection for our Classified Trees, and for all the trees that will become our future legacy.  

The role of trees in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and urban cooling is well documented, and they hold biodiversity values both intrinsically and for the habitat that they create for other species. The social value that trees hold for our community should not be underestimated either, for the sense of place that they create, the stories that build around trees, and the wellbeing benefits they provide.

Increasingly, we have become concerned about the widespread tree and vegetation removals which have been taking place in major infrastructure projects across Victoria.  We have observed the large scale removal of trees to facilitate construction on the Eastern Freeway, as part of the North East Link, on the Geelong Freeway, and along the Hume Highway. It is understood that over 25,000 trees have been removed on the NE Link alone. Members of the community have been contacting the National Trust in distress about these removals.

The National Trust recognises that some tree removals are required for these projects, and that the relevant departments have policies around the retention of remnant and threatened species. However, the incremental loss of vegetation is considerable, and approvals appear to always prioritise infrastructure over the retention and protection of trees, even for temporary works. We contest that replacing an established tree with a sapling does not provide equivalent canopy or habitat values, nor do creating offsets, which are widely regarded as poor replacements for localised and complex ecology. 

We argue that non-remnant and non-threatened trees also have considerable value. It is the incremental and thoughtless removal of these trees that contributes both to canopy and habitat loss. The National Trust applauds the current Planning Scheme target for 30% canopy cover. However, this commitment does not appear to be reflected in the planning or construction of our infrastructure projects. Providing seedlings to residents cannot replace existing trees in public spaces, nor will it be possible to reach this target without a considered approach to retain existing trees on public land. 

The impact that these removals have for the community cannot be underestimated, especially at a time when many have considerable anxiety about the future of our environment and the nature of our growing cities. Trees are more than simply vegetation: they are part of our cultural heritage, providing a sense of place and wellbeing. Seeing so many trees removed is not only distressing, but also impacts public health and the ongoing sustainability of our cities. 

The National Trust calls on the Victorian Government to:

• Develop stronger protections for existing trees in the vicinity of infrastructure projects.

• Continue to provide revegetation, including soil remediation.

• Carefully reconsider tree removals currently planned.

• Develop strategies for future projects that recognise the value of established trees of all types, not just remnant and threatened species.