Timbarra Estate residents Alan Richardson, Val Stephenson and Cele Leach are pleased with Casey Council’s decision to remove about 100 gum trees. 84276 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Lia Bichel
EMOTIONS are mixed after Casey Council agreed to remove about 100 gum trees in Timbarra Estate following complaints and petitions from local residents.
Casey Council moved a recommendation at its meeting on Tuesday night to have about 100 trees removed from six streets over three years.
There will also be 132 property clearances and a reduction of 50 canopies.
The trees will be removed in Boree Court, Coolong Avenue, Coowara Way, Glendale Crescent, Theodore Terrace and Valley View Crescent. The work will cost council $171,000.
Many Timbarra Estate residents said the trees were shedding leaves and bark and many limbs have fallen on streets, houses and parked cars.
The trees have also soaked up moisture from yards, leaving residents with barren lawns and gardens.
Cr Judy Owen advocated for the removal of the trees – and said the decision would improve safety and hopefully keep elderly residents from moving into retirement villages too early.
Theodore Terrace resident Alan Richardson and Coolong Avenue resident Val Stephenson praised the move, while Berwick resident Beatrice Blyth said it was “ridiculous.”
Mr Richardson said he thought the move was an “enormous step in the right direction” and meant council was accepting the fact that they made a wrong decision when they first planted gum trees in the estate.
He said the removal of the trees would increase safety and make the area look nicer.
“Ultimately, (all the gum trees) have to go and it’s important the remaining trees are heavily pruned so they aren’t creating a danger or blocking the sunlight,” Mr Richardson said.
“Some people think we are anti-green, but in reality certain trees belong in certain areas. These trees are basically a forest tree. It doesn’t give us joy that we want to get rid of the trees, but it’s like having a pink elephant in the room. It doesn’t belong there.”
Ms Stephenson said the expectations of some residents to have all the trees removed was unrealistic, but thanked Cr Owen for her efforts and said she was very pleased with the council decision.
“If council keeps the remaining trees trimmed and maintained, they won’t be as dangerous,” she said.
“This will certainly increase safety in certain areas and increase the value of many houses.”
But Ms Blyth said the removal of the trees would make the estate look “cold and unfriendly.”
“I can’t imagine the estate without the trees. It will be dreadful,” Ms Blyth said.
“I am all for safety, but I think the removal of 100 trees is criminal. Council is catering to a small minority and I think a lot of people in Timbarra Estate will be absolutely flabbergasted.”
