TREE removal and replacement in Littleton Gardens is being carried out because the current trees pose a threat to public safety, Mayor Bill Taylor said this week.
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In his statement, Cr Taylor asked the community to understand the reason behind the council’s decision to remove the problem trees.
“There is clearly angst among some in the community, but we know our decision to remove the Littleton Gardens trees is correct,” Cr Taylor said.
“We’re taking the right approach, not the easy approach.
“We’re looking at six trees that in all honesty are beautiful and iconic, and doing what is right by removing them before we have an injury, or worse still a death on our hands.
“It really is as simple as that.
“We’re taking down the trees because a qualified arborist has reported that six of them either pose a threat now, or will do so in the near future.
“Our duty as councillors is to be community advocates, and in thinking first and foremost about the safety of residents and visitors, I know we are acting responsibly.
“Needless to say I would rather be writing this statement about removing six trees than struggling with the words to explain how our inaction has resulted in a person being killed by a falling branch.
“The arborist concluded that trees of this size pose a threat to public safety through regularly dropping branches up to 35mm in diameter.
“There are numerous reports of branches falling that are much bigger than this and we simply do not want to wait around for an accident to occur.
“Residents should also bear in mind that this is a remove and replace program, where the trees removed will be replaced with appropriate semi mature trees.
“The Littleton Gardens redevelopment will expand the green space and appeal to visitors, with enhanced and safer recreational and community spaces.
“Recent media reports on the trees removed on Saturday imply an underhanded approach to not informing the community of our intentions.
“We have been in consultation with the community about the future of these trees for the past 10 years.
“In recent years this has intensified with extensive consultations on the Littleton Gardens Masterplan, which included lengthy discussions about the trees.
“On top of this we’ve published the latest council meeting agenda and minutes and there’s been a great deal of media in the past two weeks involving our decision to remove the trees at a suitable time.
“Timing of removals involves considering site layout, contractor requirements and most importantly the flow of people.
“Removing large trees is a dangerous process, so it makes perfect sense to carry out works on the weekend when there are fewer people around.
“I can advise the community that another tree is scheduled for removal this weekend, and ask that people understand the logic behind our decision.
“It’s our job to make rational not emotional decisions on behalf of the community, and sometimes this means making tough decisions that are not always popular.
“A council that operates in this way is responsible, and in my view highly effective,” Cr Taylor said.
