Orange tree-canopy rules have no timetable as DCP review continues

Orange City Council has no timetable for updating its Development Control Plan, leaving the timing of proposed tree-canopy provisions unresolved.

Cr M McDonell asked when the DCP update would be completed and how it would address tree-canopy coverage during the Infrastructure Policy Committee’s consideration of Local Transport Forum recommendations on 7 July.

The Chief Executive Officer said no timeline was available. Council staff were continuing to review how the council’s strategic documents relate to one another, with tree-canopy coverage to be addressed through the DCP and linked to the plan adopted the previous year.

The council has not stated what specific tree-retention controls, canopy requirements or targets would be proposed. The DCP update may affect requirements for future development and tree-retention or canopy outcomes.

Cr McDonell also asked how a council decision would interact with a Planning Panel decision. The Director Development Services said the development under discussion had already received approval and that committee discussions were refining details for the design stage. No decision would change that approval.

The committee also recorded transport recommendations affecting the Civic Centre carpark, The Escort Way and Molong Road, as well as a future report on pedestrian-safety options at the intersection of Matthews Avenue and Anson Street. Those items do not establish a timetable for the DCP update.

Elsewhere in the infrastructure discussion, the Director Infrastructure confirmed recent weather had delayed works on Jonathon Drive. The CEO said a significant opening event was planned for the Conservatorium, but its date had not been set while construction was being completed.

Cr Kinghorne asked when a report on project costs was due. The CEO said it would coincide with the Quarterly Budget Review, although an interim report could be provided to Council.