One of two shade trees has been saved from the chop following a hastily organised campaign by a group of Nelson Bay advocates headed by the Tomaree Residents & Ratepayers Association (TRRA).
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On Friday, November 23 Port Stephens Council workers are scheduled to remove the larger of a pair of Chinese tallowood trees located on the intersection of Stockton and Donald streets.
The smaller tree has been given a stay of execution.
According to a council spokesperson, the roots of the offending tree have caused the lifting of pavers resulting in a trip hazard and a threat to nearby building foundations as well as the water main which runs down the centre of Stockton Street footpath.
Mayor Ryan Palmer said on Thursday that the tree set to be removed was ruining infrastructure including paths, electricity, irrigation and roads, and that he would make no apologies for ensuring safe places for the community.
“It will be replaced with another established shady tree [in a planter box] that has less invasive roots. Council assesses thousands of trees each year that are dangerous and ruining infrastructure with a replacement program,” he said.
Leading the tree rescue campaign were TRRA member Judy Washington and Corlette’s outspoken environmentalist Margaret Wilkinson.
“The trees in this town are what creates its ambiance and value both for local residents and tourists. They provide sun in winter and shade in summer and were specifically selected to be planted in the entire CBD for this reason,” Mrs Washington said.
“Removal of any tree should be addressed with great concern as it affects both the economy and enjoyment of the town. Ad-hoc decisions on tree species should wait until the Public Domain consultancy reports its findings.
“These tress have taken more than 15 years to grow but if they have to be removed, then more thought needs to go into the replacement trees and they should fit in with the plan.”
Mrs Wilkinson said that she would continue to defend other shade trees in Nelson Bay until the Public Domain plan was implemented.
“The council line they are a trip hazard is an absolute furphy, go to Europe and you will see real trip hazards,” she said.
A council spokesperson said that the tree to be removed would be replaced with a planter box containing an advanced tree and decorative plants, in keeping with recent Civic Pride Day improvements.
In response to the public domain criticism, Cr Palmer said that the community had been heavily involved in multiple rounds of consultation of the formation of the draft which would go to the council shortly for another round of public exhibition.
“The Civic Pride group led by the chamber has done an amazing job in brightening up the town,” he added.
