Orange City Council
Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee - 5 May 2026 6:00 PM
Council adopted minutes from the Tidy Towns Community Committee and received an update on tree health and tree removal timing, including replacement and monitoring actions for street trees.
Topics
- Winter planting program to replace tree removed at Byng Street carpark entrance
Council has confirmed a replacement timeline for a prominent tree removal in the CBD.
Tree removals and replacements affect streetscape amenity, shade and public perception of urban canopy management. - Elm tree health being monitored after Anson Street removal caused root damage
Council acknowledged possible collateral damage to a neighbouring Elm tree during removal works.
There may be ongoing tree health risk and further work needed if the Elm declines.
Decisions
- Adopted Tidy Towns Community Committee minutes
Council acknowledged the reports presented to the Tidy Towns Community Committee on 12 March 2026 and adopted those minutes.
Confirms Council has formally received earlier community committee business, but no direct service or policy change was made for residents. - Acknowledged tree health and removal timing report
Council acknowledged the information in the Tree Health and Timing for Tree Removal report. Questions were answered about replacement timing and impacts on nearby trees.
Affects street trees and local amenity, including when removed trees will be replaced and how nearby trees are being monitored.
Discussion
- Byng Street carpark entrance tree replacement
A tree removed from the Byng Street entrance to the underground carpark is expected to be replaced during the winter planting program.
Residents near the centre of Orange may see planting works and changes to streetscape amenity. - Anson Street tree removal and nearby Elm tree health
Council was advised that roots of the removed tree and the neighbouring Elm tree were intertwined, causing root damage to the Elm; staff are monitoring its health.
There may be ongoing tree health monitoring and possible follow-up action affecting local streetscape and shade canopy. - Plane tree replacement program update requested
A councillor requested an update on the Plane tree replacement program, and the matter was taken on notice.
The community may receive a future update on broader tree replacement scheduling and plantings.
Impacts
- Tree replacement works may occur during the winter planting program.
- Local trees near Byng Street and Anson Street may be monitored or replaced.
- An update on the Plane tree replacement program may be provided later.
Places
- Byng Street
Location of a removed tree to be replaced in the winter planting program. - Anson Street
Location where tree removal affected a neighbouring Elm tree's roots. - Orange
Council meeting location and local area affected by the tree management matters. - Civic Centre
Meeting venue where the committee met. - underground carpark
Byng Street entrance tree replacement reference point.
Next
- Replace the Byng Street tree during the winter planting program
Winter 2026 - Monitor the health of the Elm tree near Anson Street
Ongoing - Provide Council with an update on the Plane tree replacement program
Future meeting / on notice
Extract
MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY POLICY COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 5 MAY 2026 COMMENCING AT 6:29 PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr D Mallard (Chairperson), Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne, Cr M McDonell, Cr S Peterson, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Waste Services & Technical Support, Manager Community Services, Manager Communications & Engagement, L...