Benalla Rural City Council has engaged qualified arborists to assess about 11,600 trees throughout the municipality, focusing on street and park trees of significant size or importance.
Each assessed tree will be individually identified and recorded within council’s mapping systems, creating a readily accessible source of information to guide future planning, maintenance and asset management.
Phase one of the program, which included assessment of 6000 trees, has been completed.
Phase two is scheduled to begin in April, capturing the remaining significant trees across the municipality.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said this program will provide Council with accurate, detailed information about local trees, enabling more informed decision-making and proactive maintenance.
“Our street and park trees play a vital role in enhancing neighbourhood character, providing urban shade, supporting biodiversity and improving community wellbeing, and this work will help ensure they are managed sustainably into the future,” she said.
Cr Hearn said the initiative reflects council’s ongoing commitment to caring for public open spaces and investing in long-term environmental outcomes.
Residents may notice arborists working across streets and parks as the program continues.
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