The Council committee meeting on 13 March 2012 approved the amended Tree Preservation Policy, as recommended by staff.  This makes only minor changes, such as allowing removal of trees within 5 metres of existing structures (previously 3 metres), and formalising a process for appealing against refusal of consent for other tree removals.  However, we are advised that the new policy may be inconsistent with State Government requirements for the new Local Environment Plan (LEP) so when that is finalised in the near future Council may have to revert to its previous policy. Arguably ‘much ado about nothing’?