Planning and Consultation Committee - 11 Aug 2026

Topics

• Nillumbik tree policy to be revised after 132 community responses
  Nillumbik council will revise its proposed tree protection policy after receiving feedback from 132 community participants and hearing three verbal submissions.
  The policy could affect tree retention, canopy protection and future land-management or development decisions across Nillumbik Shire.

Decisions

• Feedback on draft tree policy acknowledged
  The committee acknowledged and considered oral and written submissions received during finalisation of the draft Nillumbik Tree Protection and Management Policy.
  Community feedback has formally been taken into account in the next stage of policy development.
• Final tree policy deferred for September Council consideration
  The committee unanimously requested a further report at the September 2026 Council Meeting to consider adoption of the final version of the policy.
  The policy was not adopted at this meeting; a further Council decision is expected in September 2026.
• Unredacted consultation material kept confidential
  Unredacted written submissions and survey responses will remain confidential under section 3(1)(f) of the Local Government Act 2020.
  Public reporting will rely on the redacted material and the committee’s summary of feedback rather than identifying confidential submitters.

Discussion

• Community consultation on tree protection policy
  The draft Nillumbik Tree Protection and Management Policy was publicly exhibited from 1 July to 28 July 2026. Feedback was generally very positive and focused on retaining tree canopy vegetation.
  Residents’ submissions will help shape the final policy, which may influence how trees are protected and managed across the shire.
• Verbal submissions on the draft policy
  Three people or community representatives addressed the committee: Vicky Shukuroglou for Nillumbio, Elizabeth Doig and Sue Dyet for the Eltham Community Action Group.
  The public submissions provided direct community input before the policy is finalised.

Impacts

• The draft tree protection policy may affect tree retention and canopy management across Nillumbik Shire.
• The policy was not adopted at this meeting; Council is expected to consider a final version in September 2026.
• Unredacted submissions and survey responses will remain confidential, while consultation feedback will inform the revised policy.

Places

• Nillumbik Shire (local government area)
  Council and policy area
• Greensborough (town/suburb)
  Meeting venue and council administration address
• Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive (facility/address)
  Meeting venue

Next

• Council officers to refine the draft Nillumbik Tree Protection and Management Policy using written and oral consultation feedback.
  Before the September 2026 Council Meeting
• A further report recommending consideration of the final policy to be presented to Council.
  September 2026 Council Meeting

Extract

Planning and Consultation Committee Meeting to be held at the Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough on Tuesday 11 August 2026 commencing at 7:00 PM. Minutes Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer Friday 14 August 2026 Distribution: Public Civic Drive, Greensborough PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088 Telephone 9433 3111 Facsimile 9433 3777 Website www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au Email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au Planning and Consultation Committee Meeting Minutes 11 August 2026 Nillumbik Shire Council Contents 1. Welcome by the Chair 1 2. Acknowledgement of Country 1 3. Apologies/Leave of Absence 1 4. Declarations of conflict of interest 1 5. Confirmation of Minutes 3 COM.001/26 Confirmation of...