Locals filled the inside of the Mandurah council chambers on Tuesday to hear the decision on three agenda items relating to the City's street trees.
At a meeting on November 24, councillors unanimously endorsed the Greening Mandurah Framework and the Street Tree Masterplan.
City staff reportedly audited 40,000 trees over two and a half years to form the masterplan "to protect, nurture, value and enhance shade providing trees across Mandurah".
City of Mandurah chief executive Mark Newman said the masterplan was of extreme importance for the future of the City.
"We are at an exciting point in time following a lot of work by officers to try and create a masterplan," he said.
"The big picture is about the future and the importance of trees to our environment and to our livability."
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However, the suggested changes to the Tree Management Policy saw a debate ensue with some councillors concerned that residents' issues with street trees, particularly the Norfolk Island pine, were not being addressed.
Residents eagerly waited to hear the City of Mandurah hand down its decision, with latecomers forced to listen from the hallway after the room hit its capacity.
As the meeting got underway, questions to councillors and City staff began.
Tracy Goodwin asked if the council would pay for property damage caused by street trees.
While, Trevor was concerned the "sharp spikes" on the pods from his street tree could hit a passerby.
However, deputations on the issue portrayed a different sentiment with environmental groups calling for the trees to be protected.
Peel Preservation Group member Stewart Godden said the Tree Management Policy would "help protect trees and takes into consideration the removal of trees when this is proper".
"Any large tree takes decades to grow to maturity so no tree should be removed without a thorough assessment by arborists," he said.
His deputation was followed by many more supporting the suggested changes to improve Mandurah's green canopy.
Friends of Marlee Reserve coordinator Jo Drew said she was "reassured Mandurah was heading in the right direction". Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group member Merrillee Baker said with public backlash of the Norfolk Island pines on verges "the right place to plant them should be considered".
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When it came time to vote, the motion was carried but a decision to review the effectiveness of the new policy was made, which is set to come back to council in six months.
The new policy will include more specific information on tree management with regard to tree selection, maintenance, removal and/or replacement, and enforcement.
Norfolk Island pine trees were deemed "a suitable tree selection in specific locations that take into consideration the ultimate size and growth characteristics of the tree".
The suitability of Norfolk Island pines was considered following officer consultation, an audit of scientific literature, review of previous arborist reports, and a consultant arborist review.
Cr Ahmed Zilani, who previously called on the review of the Tree Management Policy, voted against the motion.
"The report is vague and I don't accept the policy," he said.
"We are official representatives of our ratepayers - they deserve maximum respect."
Cr Jenny Green and Cr Don Pember also voted against the motion.
