Gist of the Seventeenth Meeting held on 10 December 2015

1. GLTMS had been working closely with EPTM members to devise a strategic road map of the industry for arboriculture practitioners, focusing on the requirements of education, qualification, On-The-Job (OTJ) training as key performance indicators for proper tree management.  The importance of practical training of the tree workers to achieve international best practice was stressed.  Members shared the views and suggested to make reference to other countries with good models.
2. GLTMS informed Members that a promotional message to the public in particular to remind private property owners and property management companies for proper tree care during wet season would be rolled out in May 2016 through TV and radio.
3. GLTMS would continue to work with Members on the study of life-cycle planning in urban tree management in Hong Kong.  Members stressed that the public should be aware that trees had different Useful Life Expectancies (ULE).  It could facilitate the gradual phasing of tree replacement management.
4. Member provided samples of report form on Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) for GLTMS’s reference.  It would be provided to the tree management departments to supplement necessary information in submitting TRA reports.  GLTMS would consolidate it and invite Members for comments.
5. GLTMS advocated to adopt a more effective and prudent approach for removal of Brown Root Rot (BRR) infected OVTs if they were beyond recovery.  Members provided valuable comments to optimise the arrangements.  GLTMS would continue the study on control of BRR and work out a package for the effective removal of BRR infected OVTs.
6. GLTMS proposed to revamp the OVT Register making reference to the ‘Exceptional Tree Programme’ currently implemented in overseas cities like Hawaii, Seattle and Melbourne.  Members provided positive feedback and suggested measures to achieve the goal.
7. Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) briefed Members on the new arrangement of taking up the maintenance of roadside trees on unleased/unallocated government land since January 2016. Members reminded LCSD to secure adequate resources and arrange suitable publicity.
8. Members discussed on the difficulties in locating suitable practical grounds for arboriculture training and holding related activities.  GLTMS would explore suitable government sites for consideration.
9. GLTMS briefed Members of the plan to review the current compensatory planting arrangement.  It was expected a recommended list of trees with similar value for the best chance of survival and sustainability be provided for the compensatory planting.  Members welcomed the proposed plan and would offer their views and comments.