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.

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.