Gist of the Sixteenth Meeting held on 18 September 2015

The EPTM meetings will be in a workshop format to maximise the time and expertise of the panel members. It will be formalised into two workshops per year: at the start and at the end of the wet season respectively to capture key learning and prepare studies in preparation for next year's wet season.

Each panel member has specific skill-sets pertaining to specific aspects of urban tree management. The aim is to draw on and maximise these skill-sets to assist GLTMS in the development of policy initiatives.

Items discussed

1. GLTMS proposed measures on developing a strategic framework for positively supporting the supply chain of the local arboriculture, horticulture and landscape industry from education and training through to market supply. Members actively shared their opinions on the current supply chain, education including both formal and on-the-job practical training and continuous professional development, positive capacity building, current standard and quality of workmanship, opportunities for assistance (templates/education manuals) and the projected maturity curve. Both GLTMS and relevant members undertook a commitment to continue development of such a framework.
2. GLTMS advocated the concept of life-cycle planning in urban tree management in Hong Kong, which was supported by Members. Members agreed that the study on the life-cycle and life planning of our urban tree assets could serve as a means to assess the tree value during its life against the cost of its maintenance. GLTMS and relevant members will continue to work up a plan to further develop this thinking for Hong Kong.
3. GLTMS introduced the holistic approach in tree risk management and "As Low As Reasonably Practicable" (ALARP) concept as a part of the Government's effort in improving tree management work. It is an acknowledgement by all parties that there is no such thing as zero risk in tree management. The ALARP concept has been used by the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) for a number of years in the assessment of their slope safety. In addition to the present risk assessments forms, GLTMS will also work toward developing reporting guidelines and standards to the industry practitioners to ensure consistency and compliance in reporting contents and requirements. Members commented on the benefits of such a system and encouraged further progression on this.
4. GLTMS stressed the importance of proper contract management with clearly defined deliverables in international standards and standard of output. Suitable procedural mechanism for compliance checking as well as audit system should be in place. Members provided positive feedback and suggested measures to achieve the goal.
5. GLTMS reported the progress of the revamp of Tree Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) guidelines and the various enhancement measures, such as the triage system and sensitivity analysis. Members welcomed the new initiatives and gave an insight to further improve the arrangements.
6. Members were briefed of two new Research and Development (R+D) proposals for stonewall trees with an aim at encouraging root reinforcement and anchorage of stonewall trees.
7. Proposed Felling of the Celtis sinensis in Peng Chau
   Members were briefed on the overall conditions and the assessment of the Celtis sinensis in Peng Chau. Members opined that the tree had no imminent danger and recommended undertaking proper pruning, conducting further assessment, and engaging green groups and the local community with informed decisions.
8. Members supported the proposed felling of the two Aleurites moluccana at Lyttelton Road and Tregunter Path respectively.
9. Management and Maintenance of the stonewall tree at Hospital Road
   Members were briefed on the latest progress of the tree maintenance work. Some members has already undertaken a site inspection of the tree and offered their findings. Other available members would undertake a further site inspection to ascertain the recommended mitigation measures and offer alternative suggestions as relevant.