Trees
AlburyCity recognises the importance of trees in our landscape, they not only improve Albury's liveability, but act as climate regulators modifying temperature, wind and reflective glare.
They absorb and reduce pollution whilst producing oxygen. Trees also add to the aesthetic quality of the local urban environment.
While AlburyCity manages the city's street and park trees, it is the responsibility of residents to care for trees on their property. However, under NSW Planning Legislation, the pruning or removal of any tree over 4.5 metres in height or 3 metres in branch spread requires Council approval.
This can be obtained through completion of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Tree disputes between neighbours
New laws have been introduced by the New South Wales Government allowing tree disputes between neighbours to be referred to the NSW Land & Environment Court.
The Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours Act) 2006 allows an owner of land to apply to the court for an order to remedy, restrain or prevent damage to the owner's property or injury as a consequence of a tree situated on adjoining land. The court may also order compensation for damage already caused by such a tree.
An individual must make a reasonable attempt to resolve the situation before an approach is made to the Court.
The Act does not allow the Court to make orders solely for other purposes (such as lopping or removing trees which block views).
The dropping of leaves, flowers, seeds, deadwood (small elements) by urban trees ordinarily will NOT provide the bases for ordering removal of or intervention with an urban tree.