Vision
To provide the communities of South Australia with the best quality tree asset and enable, through education and the dissemination of information, a consistent approach to tree management across the state.
Aim
The Local Government Arboricultural Officers Group (LGAOG-SA) aims to enhance the management of the State’s trees.
Objectives
The objectives of the Local Government Arboricultural Officers Group (LGAOG-SA) are to:
- Collect and disseminate information about the States trees, and issues affecting them – to LGAOG-(SA) members and other interested parties.
- Establish a high profile for the State’s trees, and factors affecting them.
- Establish and promote a best practice planting policy for the State.
- Influence tree related legislation and work towards a cohesive State policy for trees.
- Establish, promote and raise standards of management and practice, especially by influencing arboricultural education, training and safety.
- Identify and attract finance for the wellbeing of the State’s trees.
- Form links and networks with related industries and groups.
Membership of the Local Government Arboricultural Officers Group
The LGAOG-(SA) meetings are open to all Local Government Officers involved in tree management.
Contact details
Colin Thornton (Chairperson) Andrew Nichols (Deputy Chairperson)
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (08) 8265 8635 Tel: (08) 8372 5160
Executive Committee
Stephen Griffen Tim Johnson
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (08) 8265 8614 Tel: 8416 6273
Mike Oborn
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (08) 8406 8418
Proceeding Presentation Notes
Local Government Arboricultural Officers Group (SA)
- Vision
- To provide the communities of South Australia with the best quality tree asset and enable, through education and the dissemination of information, a consistent approach to tree management across the State.
Background
Who are we LGAOG (SA)
- Group of Local Government Officers who care for trees in the urban and rural areas.
- Interim committee formed by 5 Local Government Officers consisting of:
- Chairperson
- Deputy Chairperson
- Three further Executive Officers
How The Group Was Formed
- Small group of like-minded officers with similar ideals to raise the profile of arboriculture in Local Government.
- Initial contact with other officers to gauge consensus of opinion and interest.
- Inaugural meeting to discuss relevant issues.
When the group was formed
- Inaugural meeting in January 2004 used to formalise the structure of the group and identify issues surrounding Local Government decision-making processes with regard to trees.
- Formalisation of a constitution as a priority including
- Vision and Mission statements, aims and objectives
- Identified issues specifically relevant to Local Government
Issues Identified
Significant Tree Legislation
- Relatively new in SA introduced in 1999
- Initial review after 2 years didn’t include consultation with Local Government Arboricultural Officers.
- Next review must include Arboricultural Officers.
- Legislation needs refinement to develop a consistent approach across all Councils.
Membership and Links
- E-mail questionnaire sent to all Councils in SA requesting information on Officers responsible for trees.
- 68 questionnaires sent 42 returned so far, 16 out of 19 metropolitan councils and 26 outer metropolitan and rural councils responded.
- Forming links with Treenet, SASA, ISAAC and other interstate arboricultural organisations.
- Nursery Industry, species selection, nursery practices and standards.
LGA Links
- Positive feedback and support from the LGA as lead body for arboriculture within Local Government.
- LGAOG fits with policies and motions of LGA.
- Draft Urban Forest Policy that could be an overriding all inclusive policy document that fits with LGA and State Government directions.
Training
- Raise the profile of arboriculture in Local Government by ensuring all staff involved with trees are adequately trained.
- All contractors trained to cert level 3 as a minimum before working on council trees.
- Formalisation of a standard qualification and development of appropriate training providers to deliver programs.