Tree Trimming
The Regional Council of Goyder has a variety of trees and roadside vegetation. Council manages tree maintenance in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees.
Council conducts regular tree pruning and maintenance throughout the council area with an emphasis on safety, health, and structure of the trees. Regular formative maintenance pruning of our trees is crucial for maintaining the ongoing health and aesthetic value of the trees. Council engages contractors to carry out these programs, generally three to four times a year.
Tree maintenance around power lines and associated infrastructure is the responsibility of SA Power Networks. Council actively works with SA Power Networks, where possible, to reduce the impact of tree clearance around electrical services.
White Cedar tree replacements
Burra’s streetscape contains many white cedar trees which have historical significance. These trees are of considerable age and in certain areas are showing signs of deterioration, with health and structure problems manifesting which in turn can lead to public safety issues from limb drop and structure failure.
In December 2013 Regional Council of Goyder engaged an arborist to undertake a condition assessment report on the health and structure of all the white cedar plantings throughout the historic township area of Burra.
The report found that 79 street trees had a health and/or structure rating of very poor and were recommended for total replacement.
Council has implemented a staged replacement program of the 79 trees which commenced 2015 and is likely to take 5-7 years to complete
Council has been replacing the traditional white cedar with a non-fruiting variety known as Melia Azedarach ‘Elite’.
The Elite is a hardy variety that flowers to a bud without developing petals, resulting in no pollen and ultimately no fruit. This also has an added benefit in reducing the risk posed from fruit drop, eliminating slippery footpaths and poisonous berries. The tree has a similar canopy to the traditional white cedar and grows to 10m high with an 8-10m spread.
Township Streetscapes
Council has three reports for the management of street trees in the townships of Burra and Eudunda.
- Burra Street Trees 2005
- Eudunda Street Trees 2006
- Burra North Street Trees 2007
These reports have been prepared to assist in the identification of street trees in Burra and Eudunda, and their management in respect to suitability of species and replacement if appropriate. It provides recommendations for each street and a list of suitable species that can be trialled in addition to those currently occurring.
Additionally South Australian Power Networks also have the Powerline friendly Trees Reference Guide that assists Council with the appropriate selection of species where planting under powerlines.
Pest Plant Control
Roadside spraying
Part of Councils roadside and footpath maintenance programs is the management vegetation and weeds on township streets, footpaths, kerb, gutters and property frontages, and sealed rural roadsides. Council conduct biannual management programs, generally from July through to September, and December through to February subject to weather and growth patterns each year. Council engage contractors perform these tasks throughout the council area.
No Spray Register
The vegetation and weed management maintenance program includes the use of chemical herbicides. If you do not want us to spray on the road reserve in front of or alongside your property you can apply to be listed on the No Spray Register.
If you are on the No Spray Register you assume responsibility for the management of weeds on the road reserve in front of or alongside your property. If residents would like to apply for registration on the ‘No Spray Register’, contact council for an application form via either the Council Offices located in Burra and Eudunda, or via email council@goyder.sa.gov.au
Roadside Slashing
Council conduct an annual roadside slashing program generally from September through to November subject to weather and growth patterns each year. Council slashes Council managed property within townships and sealed rural roadside shoulders and selected intersections where growth can create visibility issues.
Declared Pest Plants & Animals
From July 1 2020, the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 replaced the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, as the key framework for managing the state's land, water, pest plants and animals, and biodiversity across the state.
The department works in partnership with the eight new regional Landscape South Australia boards, responsible for administering the new Act. A new entity Green Adelaide will also bring an integrated approach to managing Adelaide's urban environment.
A key priority of landscape boards is to support local communities and landowners to be directly responsible for sustainably managing their region’s landscapes with an emphasis on land and water management, pest animal and plant control, and biodiversity. This includes providing greater funding and partnership opportunities with local community organisations to deliver on ground works and projects.
For more information visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au