Page 1303 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 March 2013
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Provisional Tree Register by the Conservator of Flora and Fauna are given the same level of protection under the Act as they would if they were on the ACT Tree Register.
The provisional registration process is for a period of one year, after which time the registration status needs to be determined or the provisional status is removed.
The protection provided on both provisional and fully registered trees includes the development of a Tree Management Plan. The requirements of this plan are as follows:
• outlining specific maintenance/management requirements such as increasing the size of the tree protection zone;
• the involvement of a highly skilled arborist when the tree requires maintenance work or landscaping is to be carried out near the tree;
• providing for greater enforcement/penalties to be imposed if/when breaches occur; and
• encouraging awareness of the significance of the trees.
In summary, the provisional registration of suitable trees provides for a higher level of protection and accountability in relation to the future management of such trees.
In relation to your question about the cost for the removal of the tree. I have been advised by the Economic Development Directorate that the total cost for the removal of the fallen tree was $3,272.50 (including GST), this also included clearing the site of debris.
Health—Preventative Health Taskforce
Ms Gallagher (in reply to a question by Mr Hanson on Thursday, 14 February 2013): As stated during Question Time on 28 November 2012, the Chief Health Officer is leading a Whole of Government Healthy Weight Initiative which is focusing on reducing the levels of overweight and obesity in the ACT.
The prevention of overweight and obesity is a major target for action due to its adverse impact on the health of the ACT population and health expenditure. Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer. Reducing rates of obesity is therefore a broad preventative health strategy.
The Whole of Government Healthy Weight Initiative governance model was endorsed by the Strategic Board on 22 November 2011. The Initiative comprises a three stage process with Scoping Group meetings held on 8 and 28 February 2012, and Working Group meetings held on 22 June 2012, 27 September 2012 and 14 February 2013. The Working Group has been tasked with developing specific whole of government actions to combat rising rates of overweight and obesity.
The Working Group is chaired by the Chief Health Officer and membership consists of representatives from all ACT Government Directorates, the ACT Medicare Local, the Heart Foundation ACT, and research partners.
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