Community members split over this council's plans towards 'beautiful' trees
- Replies 14
Australia is famous as a home for fascinating wildlife.
However, the country's flora also takes the spotlight due to its beauty.
In the picturesque seaside town of Ulverstone, a heated debate has erupted over how councils develop their areas without harming nature.
Ulverstone residents have been enjoying the shade provided by a row of stately elm trees.
These trees have graced the town's Risby Street for over 80 years.
However, these trees are now at the centre of a controversy that has divided the community.
The Central Coast Council recently proposed cutting down the elm trees due to safety concerns.
The council indicated the damage these trees have been causing footpaths, their interference with drains, and the competition they pose to overhead power lines.
This plan immediately sparked a fierce debate among the residents despite the town's relaxed demeanour.
The elm trees were planted after World War II—a time of significant growth and infrastructure development in Australia.
The trees were intended to create a grand entrance to the town and symbolised growth and prosperity.
However, as the trees matured, they faced brutal pruning to prevent contact with power lines, leaving them with a gnarled appearance.
Additionally, these trees showed signs of disease and evidence of intentional harm.
Some trees had large holes drilled into their trunks, which suggested a poisoning attempt.
These kinds of attacks on trees are not unheard of, as similar incidents have occurred in other cities.
Sydney locals have been accused of killing large trees to improve their views.
In Ulverstone, the condition of the trees became a point of contention.
Many locals called for the trees' removal.
Meanwhile, a chunk of residents also advocated for their preservation.
Resident Susan was one of those who appreciated the trees and called it a 'beautiful' sight.
'When people visit from the mainland, and I tell them they're knocking them down, they're gobsmacked,' she said.
Susan, who bought her house because of the elm-lined street, feared that without the trees, the area would lose its unique character.
The council's controversial plan involved replacing the elms with an Asian variety of crepe myrtle.
These trees have a smaller canopy cover but could be planted more densely.
'The consensus is that while trees play an important role in the environment, the current trees are not well-suited for the location and will be replaced with smaller species that are less likely to interfere with power lines and infrastructure,' the council stated.
Despite the council's claim that less than 15 per cent of surveyed residents want to keep the elm trees, questions have been raised about the survey's reach and validity.
Local Greens candidate Dr Darren Briggs criticised the council's approach and suggested that it may be a 'knee-jerk reaction'.
'Have we availed ourselves of the evidence and current knowledge on what can be done to rehabilitate and maintain this significant valley of trees?' Dr Briggs said.
'It's not that bumpy. I've been to streets in Hobart and Sydney that are much worse.'
Dr Briggs also emphasised the importance of mature trees to the community's well-being, mental health, and maintaining connections.
The debate in Ulverstone reflected a broader conversation about the value of trees in suburban areas.
It also opened up about the balance between preserving natural heritage and accommodating modern infrastructure needs.
As the town grapples with this difficult decision, the story of Ulverstone's elm trees should be a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and the environment.
Have you experienced similar problems in your community? Would you prefer a balance of modernity and nature, or would you like to pave the way for progress? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
However, the country's flora also takes the spotlight due to its beauty.
In the picturesque seaside town of Ulverstone, a heated debate has erupted over how councils develop their areas without harming nature.
Ulverstone residents have been enjoying the shade provided by a row of stately elm trees.
These trees have graced the town's Risby Street for over 80 years.
However, these trees are now at the centre of a controversy that has divided the community.
The Central Coast Council recently proposed cutting down the elm trees due to safety concerns.
The elm trees' growth have interfered with the area's power lines. Image Credit: Google Maps
The council indicated the damage these trees have been causing footpaths, their interference with drains, and the competition they pose to overhead power lines.
This plan immediately sparked a fierce debate among the residents despite the town's relaxed demeanour.
The elm trees were planted after World War II—a time of significant growth and infrastructure development in Australia.
The trees were intended to create a grand entrance to the town and symbolised growth and prosperity.
However, as the trees matured, they faced brutal pruning to prevent contact with power lines, leaving them with a gnarled appearance.
Additionally, these trees showed signs of disease and evidence of intentional harm.
Some trees had large holes drilled into their trunks, which suggested a poisoning attempt.
These kinds of attacks on trees are not unheard of, as similar incidents have occurred in other cities.
Sydney locals have been accused of killing large trees to improve their views.
In Ulverstone, the condition of the trees became a point of contention.
Many locals called for the trees' removal.
Meanwhile, a chunk of residents also advocated for their preservation.
Resident Susan was one of those who appreciated the trees and called it a 'beautiful' sight.
'When people visit from the mainland, and I tell them they're knocking them down, they're gobsmacked,' she said.
Susan, who bought her house because of the elm-lined street, feared that without the trees, the area would lose its unique character.
The council's controversial plan involved replacing the elms with an Asian variety of crepe myrtle.
These trees have a smaller canopy cover but could be planted more densely.
'The consensus is that while trees play an important role in the environment, the current trees are not well-suited for the location and will be replaced with smaller species that are less likely to interfere with power lines and infrastructure,' the council stated.
Despite the council's claim that less than 15 per cent of surveyed residents want to keep the elm trees, questions have been raised about the survey's reach and validity.
Local Greens candidate Dr Darren Briggs criticised the council's approach and suggested that it may be a 'knee-jerk reaction'.
'Have we availed ourselves of the evidence and current knowledge on what can be done to rehabilitate and maintain this significant valley of trees?' Dr Briggs said.
'It's not that bumpy. I've been to streets in Hobart and Sydney that are much worse.'
Dr Briggs also emphasised the importance of mature trees to the community's well-being, mental health, and maintaining connections.
The debate in Ulverstone reflected a broader conversation about the value of trees in suburban areas.
It also opened up about the balance between preserving natural heritage and accommodating modern infrastructure needs.
As the town grapples with this difficult decision, the story of Ulverstone's elm trees should be a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and the environment.
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