Government schools can apply for assistance to assess, manage or remove high-risk trees on their grounds.

When schools have conducted their routine school tree assessment and there are trees classified as high-risk with supporting documentation (an arborist report and quote for high risk tree works), the school may apply to the Safe Tree Program (the program) for financial support of high risk tree works and the cost of the arborist report. The school will implement the high-risk tree works through their qualified arborist.

Through the program, advice and financial support can also be provided to schools to assess, manage, and have high-risk tree works conducted where schools do not otherwise have the capacity to arrange an arborist inspection and undertake such works through a qualified arborist.

In this situation the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) will lead the assessment of trees on the school grounds and the implementation of any high-risk tree works.

The program is application-based and open to all government schools.

Financial assistance under this program is available for schools:

• to engage a qualified arborist to assess the health of all existing trees on site
• to address the recommendations for high-risk tree works provided by a qualified arborist.

Under the program, schools may also seek advice and assistance from the VSBA in implementing the recommendations provided by a qualified arborist when work is funded by the school.

There is no limit on the number of trees eligible for Safe Tree Program funding – the intent of the program is to prioritise the removal and/or pruning of all identified high-risk trees from school sites.

Schools should not apply for assistance through the Safe Tree Program for:

• vegetation and grass removal or management
• tree sanctuaries or plantations as defined in the Plantations Policy.

• Email: vsba.response.program@education.vic.gov.au