Despite our best efforts over a long time, the CityWide forestry crew felled 6 trees on the roundabout over two days, and although the residents have been disputing this issue over a long time, we were unable to stop them.
The two large Eucalyptus have now been removed; these two trees were where the birds either nested or rested before coming to drink on the balcony.
The remaining trees are likely to be left until the roundabout is removed and the traffic lights installed.
We have received this from Rohan Leppert, one of the Councillors at Melbourne City Council:
As to the policy reasons for removing the tree – I think the die was cast on 11 July 2017 with the insertion into the Melbourne Planning Scheme of Development Plan Overlay 11. That’s not to say that efforts have not been made since to review the possibilities (including politically, and including from councillors at your behest), it is to say that it is very difficult to adjust course once the development rights are established. The net increase in trees will be very significant, taking Market Square and the Franklin St upgrades into account, but I understand that that is not the near future and that these trees were mature, healthy and special. I am sorry.
Rohan
Rohan Leppert | Councillor.
Environment Portfolio Lead, Heritage Portfolio Lead, Planning and Sustainable Building Portfolios Deputy Lead
I did stand on my balcony with these quickly made placards. I wanted to let the workers know that it wasn’t their doing, the decision was made by the Council.
Thank you to all the readers who sent messages via my email, Facebook and Instagram.
My next and future posts will be about food and recipes, as All Things Sicilian and More is supposed to be.
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