ATTACHMENTS UNDER SEPARATE COVER Monday 12 February 2018

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1 Item Town of Gawler Council Assessment Panel ATTACHMENTS UNDER SEPARATE COVER Monday 12 February 2018 Page No 5.3 Development Application: 490/9/ Applicant: Address: Nature of Development: Attachment 1 - Attachment 2 - Attachment 3 - Attachment 4 - S Noble 8 Gerlach Grove, Evanston Park Removal of Regulated Tree Application Plans and Documentation Amendments to Application Arborist Report by Dean Nicolle Applicant Confirmation re Tree 1 Replacement Page 83 of 130

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34 ATTACHMENT 3 Calyptra Pty Ltd trading as Dean Nicolle Ph.D.; B.Sc.(Hons.) Botany; B.App.Sc. (Natural Resource Management) PO Box 808 Melrose Park, SA 5039 Phone: dn@dn.com.au Web: Arboriculture - Botany - Ecology - Eucalypt Research Condensed Tree Report 8 Gerlach Grove, Evanston Park, SA Arboricultural assessment of three regulated Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) trees Arboricultural assessment and report requested by Jane Stange, Senior Development and Strategic Policy Officer at the Town of Gawler Council, on the 8 th of January Arboricultural report prepared by Dean Nicolle following a site visit and tree inspections on the 10 th of January Report dated the 10 th of January D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 1 Page 116 of 130

35 BACKGROUND This assessment of three regulated trees in the rear yard of 8 Gerlach Grove in Evanston Park, South Australia is in response to a development application to remove all three trees (plus a fourth, non-regulated tree of the same species). The three trees are herein referred to as Tree One for the north-western tree to Tree Three for the south-eastern tree, as indicated in Figure 1 below. The three trees are all of the same species. As such, some generic species information is provided below, following which each of the three trees is individually assessed. The three trees are then assessed against the Town of Gawler Development Plan. A summary of recommendations is provided at the conclusion of the report. Tree One Tree Two Tree Three Figure 1. The three trees subject of this report, looking approximately north from the rear boundary fence of 8 Gerlach Grove. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 2 Page 117 of 130

36 GENERIC SPECIES INFORMATION All three trees Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis (river red gum). Distribution: Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis is a woodland or forest tree native to the south-eastern third of Australia, including much of South Australia. The subspecies is a common component of the native tall woodland vegetation in the Mt Lofty Ranges and adjacent Adelaide Plains, including in the Town of Gawler council region. Remnant trees of this species are still scattered in Evanston Park, where it once formed part of the open overstorey vegetation, especially along drainage lines. The species is not considered rare or endangered in South Australia or nationally. Eucalyptus camaldulensis has also been commonly planted throughout the Evanston Park area, either as a part of revegetation projects, or as a large shade and shelter tree. Variation: Seven subspecies of E. camaldulensis are recognised. Only subspecies camaldulensis is indigenous to the Greater Adelaide area in South Australia. It is distinguished from the other subspecies of E. camaldulensis by its combination of streaked and colourful smooth bark, its narrow juvenile leaves, its dull, green to blue-green adult leaves, and its flower buds with shortly-beaked opercula. Maximum size: Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis generally reaches a maximum height of about 25 metres tall in the Evanston Park area. The subspecies may attain a greater size on more favourable sites, with the tallest measured in South Australia being 42 metres tall (Charleston, Mt Lofty Ranges) and the largest-girthed individual being metres in circumference at 1.4 metres above ground level (Springton, Mt Lofty Ranges). Tree health: A long-lived species, capable or reaching ages in excess of 200 years. The species is deep-rooted and is relatively tolerant of soil disturbance events. Risks associated with the species: Whole-of-tree structural failure in mature and healthy individuals is uncommon. Mature individuals are sometimes subject to occasional sudden limb failure in warm, still, non-storm conditions. Sudden limb failure in this species often occurs in sound timber. The species has an increased likelihood of sudden limb failure with age. Overextended and heavily end-weighted branches have an increased likelihood of sudden limb failure, especially in branches with a spreading to horizontal habit. Key references: Nicolle (2016). Taller Eucalypts for Planting in Australia - Their Selection, Cultivation and Management. Pp Nicolle (2013). Native Eucalypts of South Australia. Pp D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 3 Page 118 of 130

37 TREE ONE North-western tree Figure 2. Tree One, looking west from the rear yard of 8 Gerlach Grove. TREE ASSESSMENT Tree One Legal status: A regulated tree as defined by the Development Act Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis - Trunk circ. at one metre: 2.22 metres - Distance to dwelling/pool: Not applicable for species - Bushfire Risk: Excluded area - Living/dead status: Alive - Exemptions: No generic exemptions Current size: Trunk structure: Crown structure: About 14 metres tall, average of 12 metres wide. Single trunk up to about 2.5 metres above ground level. Irregular and generally spreading in shape, moderate in density, and weighted slightly to the north. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 4 Page 119 of 130

38 Anticipated size: Species origin: Tree origin: Biodiversity value: Not yet fully-grown under the existing environmental and site conditions and considering the age, health and structure of the tree. Eventual size about 20 metres tall x 15 metres spread. Indigenous to the area. Certainly planted. High (a reproductively mature specimen of a locally indigenous species; no bird-habitable hollows are evident). Estimated age: years. Actual life expectancy: Another 20+ years. Useful life expectancy: Another <5 years. Health: Vigour: Above average. Currently stable. Moderate to high. Borer activity: Minor and non-damaging longicorn borer activity is evident. Termite activity: None visibly evident. Fungal wood decay: None visibly evident. Basal structure: Trunk structure: WTSF likelihood: Branch structure: BF likelihood: Failure history: Risk to safety: Prominently buttressed, healthy and apparently sound. Healthy and apparently sound. The likelihood of Whole-of-Tree Structural Failure is currently considered to be very low. Below average and deteriorating over time. Branches are overextended and becoming increasingly end-weighted, increasing their likelihood of structural failure. The likelihood of Branch Failure is currently considered to be moderate, and gradually increasing over time. The tree has no evidence of any significant branch failure events, but it does have evidence of the ongoing failure of branches up to 60 mm in diameter (minor branches), associated with the high vigour of the tree. Currently low to moderate and acceptable, but gradually increasing over time. Tree-caused damage: The tree has not caused any substantial and visible damage to substantial structures of value. Landscape value: Moderate. The tree is quite visible from Gerlach Grove, despite the moderate setback of the tree. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 5 Page 120 of 130

39 TREE TWO Middle tree Figure 3. Tree Two, looking north-north-east from the rear yard of 8 Gerlach Grove. TREE ASSESSMENT Tree Two Legal status: A regulated tree as defined by the Development Act Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis - Trunk circ. at one metre: 2.09 metres - Distance to dwelling/pool: Not applicable for species - Bushfire Risk: Excluded area - Living/dead status: Alive - Exemptions: No generic exemptions Current size: Trunk structure: Crown structure: About 14 metres tall, average of 11 metres wide. Single trunk up to about 2.2 metres above ground level, where the trunk bifurcates into two erect leaders. Generally rounded in shape, moderate in density, and weighted slightly to moderately to the north-west. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 6 Page 121 of 130

40 Anticipated size: Species origin: Tree origin: Biodiversity value: Not yet fully-grown under the existing environmental and site conditions and considering the age, health and structure of the tree. Eventual size about 20 metres tall x 15 metres spread. Indigenous to the area. Certainly planted. High (a reproductively mature specimen of a locally indigenous species; no bird-habitable hollows are evident). Estimated age: years. Actual life expectancy: Another 20+ years. Useful life expectancy: Another years. Health: Vigour: Above average. Currently stable. Moderate. Borer activity: Minor and non-damaging longicorn borer activity is evident. Termite activity: None visibly evident. Fungal wood decay: None visibly evident. Basal structure: Trunk structure: WTSF likelihood: Branch structure: BF likelihood: Failure history: Risk to safety: Prominently buttressed, healthy and apparently sound. Healthy and apparently sound. The likelihood of Whole-of-Tree Structural Failure is currently considered to be very low. Generally sound. The likelihood of Branch Failure is currently considered to be low, but gradually increasing over time. The tree has no evidence of any significant branch failure events, but it does have evidence of the occasional failure of branches up to 40 mm in diameter (very minor branches). Currently low and acceptable, but gradually increasing over time. Tree-caused damage: The tree has not caused any substantial and visible damage to substantial structures of value. Landscape value: Moderate. The tree is quite visible from Gerlach Grove, despite the moderate setback of the tree. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 7 Page 122 of 130

41 TREE THREE South-eastern tree Figure 4. Tree Three, looking north-north-east from the rear yard of 8 Gerlach Grove. TREE ASSESSMENT Tree Three Legal status: A regulated tree as defined by the Development Act Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis - Trunk circ. at one metre: 2.11 metres - Distance to dwelling/pool: Not applicable for species - Bushfire Risk: Excluded area - Living/dead status: Alive - Exemptions: No generic exemptions Current size: Trunk structure: Crown structure: About 15 metres tall, average of 10 metres wide. Single trunk up to about three metres above ground level. Upright-oval in shape, moderate in density, and generally evenly weighted. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 8 Page 123 of 130

42 Anticipated size: Species origin: Tree origin: Biodiversity value: Not yet fully-grown under the existing environmental and site conditions and considering the age, health and structure of the tree. Eventual size about 20 metres tall x 15 metres spread. Indigenous to the area. Certainly planted. High (a reproductively mature specimen of a locally indigenous species; no bird-habitable hollows are evident). Estimated age: years. Actual life expectancy: Another 20+ years. Useful life expectancy: Another 20+ years. Health: Vigour: Above average. Currently stable. Moderate. Borer activity: Minor and non-damaging longicorn borer activity is evident. Termite activity: None visibly evident. Fungal wood decay: None visibly evident. Basal structure: Trunk structure: WTSF likelihood: Branch structure: BF likelihood: Failure history: Risk to safety: Moderately-well buttressed, healthy and apparently sound. Healthy and apparently sound. The likelihood of Whole-of-Tree Structural Failure is currently considered to be extremely low. Generally sound. The likelihood of Branch Failure is currently considered to be low, but gradually increasing over time. The tree has no evidence of any significant branch failure events. Currently low and acceptable, but gradually increasing over time. Tree-caused damage: The tree has not caused any substantial and visible damage to substantial structures of value. Landscape value: Moderate. The tree is quite visible from Gerlach Grove, despite the moderate setback of the tree. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 9 Page 124 of 130

43 ADDRESSING THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN All three trees Gawler (CT), consolidated 28 April 2016 REGULATED TREES OBJECTIVES Objective 69: The conservation of regulated trees that provide important aesthetic and/or environmental benefit. Each of the three trees provides a moderate to high, but not an important, aesthetic benefit to the local area. The three trees are quite visible from Gerlach Grove, despite the moderate setback of the trees (see Figure 5). Each of the three trees is of important environmental benefit, due to the indigenous status of the species. Objective 70: Development in balance with preserving regulated trees that demonstrate one or more of the following attributes: (a) significantly contributes to the character or visual amenity of the locality; Each of the three trees provides a moderate to high, but not a significant, contribution to the character and amenity of the local area. The three trees are quite visible from Gerlach Grove, despite the moderate setback of the trees (see Figure 5). (b) indigenous to the local area; Each of the three trees is of a species that is indigenous to the local area. (c) a rare or endangered species; Each of the three trees is of a species that is not listed as rare or endangered in South Australia. (d) an important habitat for native fauna. Each of the three trees is a reproductively mature specimen of a locally indigenous species. No faunal hollows are evident in any of the trees. Therefore, each of the three trees arguably represents an important habitat for native fauna. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 10 Page 125 of 130

44 PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL All three trees 208 A regulated tree should not be removed or damaged other than where it can be demonstrated that one or more of the following apply: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) the tree is diseased and its life expectancy is short; None of the three trees is not unusually diseased. The Useful Life Expectancy of the Tree One is another <5 years. The Useful Life Expectancy of the Tree Two is another years. The Useful Life Expectancy of the Tree Three is another 20+ years. the tree represents a material risk to public or private safety; Tree One currently represents a low to moderate and acceptable, but increasing, risk to safety. Tree Two and Tree Three currently represent a low and acceptable, but gradually increasing, risk to safety. The tree is causing damage to a building; None of the three trees is currently causing damage to a building. development that is reasonable and expected would not otherwise be possible; Not applicable. the work is required for the removal of dead wood, treatment of disease, or is in the general interests of the health of the tree. No work is proposed regarding the removal of dead wood, treatment of disease, or is in the general interests of the health of the trees. 209 Tree damaging activity other than removal should seek to maintain the health, aesthetic appearance and structural integrity of the tree. Not applicable (no tree-damaging activity is proposed). D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 11 Page 126 of 130

45 Tree Three Tree Two Tree One Figure 5. The three trees subject of this report, looking approximately south from Gerlach Grove. D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 12 Page 127 of 130

46 RECOMMENDATIONS I am supportive of any development application (DA) to remove Tree One of this report, on the basis of: 1. The short Useful Life Expectancy of the tree; 2. The below average and deteriorating branch structure of the tree; 3. The moderate and increasing likelihood of branch failure from the canopy of the tree; 4. The currently low to moderate but increasing risk to personal safety associated with the tree; 5. The planted status and relatively young age of the tree; and 6. The presence of other, similar-sized but lower-risk trees of the same species in the rear yard of 8 Gerlach Grove. I am non-supportive of any DA to remove Tree Two and Tree Three of this report, on the basis of: 1. The indigenous status of the species; 2. The suitability of the species to the local climatic and site conditions; 3. The sound health of the trees; 4. The long life expectancy of the trees; 5. The sound structure of the trees; 6. The very low to extremely low likelihood of whole-of-tree structural failure; 7. The currently low and acceptable risk to personal safety associated with each tree; 8. The lack of any visible damage to substantial structures having been caused by the trees; 9. The high biodiversity value of the trees; and 10. The moderate landscape value of the trees. Because the current DA is seeking approval to remove all three regulated trees, it is recommended that it be rejected. It is recommended that the current DA be modified to seek the removal of Tree One only. I thank you for the opportunity to provide this arboricultural assessment and report. If you require further information or clarification please contact me for assistance. Dean Nicolle Ph.D.; B.Sc.(Hons.) Botany; B.App.Sc. (Natural Resource Management). D.Nicolle, 8 Gerlach Gr Evanston Park SA, 10 th Jan 2018, Euca.cama(3) 13 Page 128 of 130

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