A group of Shoal Bay residents has vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to save a small cluster of large, perfectly healthy gum trees slated for the chop by Port Stephens Council.
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The residents say the trees, estimated at around 50 metres tall and close to 100 years old, have a significant presence in Garden Place Reserve, located at the junction of Tomaree Road and Garden Place, by protecting flora and fauna and providing shade.
“As far as we, the residents, are concerned these trees are off limits to council,” they say.
The council said that the trees’ removal was required “to improve traffic safety and drainage in this area”.
A council spokesperson said its representatives had met with the community in May 2018 to walk through the concept plans for the site along Tomaree Road.
“Council is working collaboratively with locals … the concept design plans called for three trees along the outer edge of Garden Place Park to be removed. Following community feedback on the initial concept, the council reconsidered the design which will require the removal of two trees only,” the spokesperson said.
“The council has complied with all environmental considerations including an ecology assessment and will ensure offset planting takes place for any trees removed. Representatives are planning to reconnect with the community in the coming month to discuss the next steps and the process prior to works formally commencing.”
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According to many of the neighbours, Garden Place Reserve was where many grew up and brought up their own children to appreciate nature and have an area to relax and play under the trees.
Roger Sanderson, a Tomaree Road resident of nearly 40 years, said that the removal of these shady trees would be a massive blow for the community.
“The playground is one of the few in the area where natural shade is provided for children as protection from the sun and the trees are alive with birds and fauna along with koalas,” he said. “We will do whatever it takes to save these trees.”
Angela Standen, a horticulturalist, said the trees had shown no indication of dieback and were a natural habitat for wildlife, including koalas. “The trees provided a safe corridor for the local koala population during the fires some years ago.”
“They also play an integral part in keeping this little eco-system alive by retaining the underground water. Once you take out these large trees, the entire system becomes weaker. These trees are nature’s air-conditioner.”
Another resident, Tim Standen, said that he would like to start the process of the council returning Garden Place Reserve back to the community in the form of a nature reserve where it will remain untouched for future generations to enjoy.
He said he was awaiting from council a copy of the environmental impact studies and any documents that are associated with the approval of removing these trees and redeveloping a section of this reserve.
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