By Brendan Rees
A Lysterfield South resident fears it’s just a matter of time before falling branches on his nature strip will harm someone.
A petition of 14 signatures was presented to Casey Council on 5 March from residents of Hillside Court, Panarama Court and Parkview Terrace, asking for the trees to be removed and replaced with suitable ones.
Head petitioner Peter Wardley says gum trees on Hillside Court – with some overhanging on properties – were dropping branches up to three metres long with “many dead branches just waiting to fall.”
“The street is an eyesore,” he said. “You only have to look around the street to see evidence of them on front lawns and pathways causing a tripping danger for pedestrians.”
Mr Wardley said bark, twigs, branches and leaves were also blocking drains causing flooding of properties during heavy periods of rain, as well as lifting footpaths.
“The piles of leaves and bark that build up in the street and down the lane way to the retarding basin are a constant fire danger in summer.
“On windy days your television or satellite reception drops in and out because of the proximity of large trees,” he added.
“No grass will grow and many front yards are affected with the lack of water and sunlight creating dustbowls.
According to Mr Wardley the trees are in contravention of council’s own tree policy: “We are entitled to a pleasant looking street just like the rest of the estate.”
Mr Wardley thanked Four Oaks Ward Councillor Rosalie Crestani for her support.
Casey manager of city presentation David Richardson said following the tabling of the petition council officers would be “assessing the potential removal and replacement of the trees in accordance with council’s resolution.”
Resident Donna Everard said she scarred her knee after tripping on an uneven footpath on a sidewalk off Hillside Court.
“I fell over going down that path about a year ago,” she said. “I wouldn’t call it dangerous but I always watch where I’m walking now – took me by surprise.”
Isabelle Murphy, a senior associate at Zaparas Lawyers, who specialises in public liability matters, said the footpaths should be free of hazards.
“Whilst a trip or fall may seem relatively harmless, in some instances it can lead to significant injury and it is important that all efforts are made to mitigate these risks,” she said.
“Members of the community are right to expect that when walking down their local shopping strip that communal spaces such as these are free of hazards which may jeopardise their safety.”
