Petition seeks pruning
A group of Alford St residents has called on Baw Baw Shire Council to consider pruning the iconic avenue of trees in the residential street.
But, one councillor raised concerns that the opinion of petitioners to council may not be shared by all residents in Alford St.
Cr Mikaela Power tabled a petition signed by 14 residents calling on council to prune the trees to respect property boundaries of residents.
“Our greatest fear is that by stealth, someone could damage the tree4s out of frustration with their neglect,” the residents said.
The petitioners said “without exception” they all admired and enjoyed the heritage oak trees in Alford St.
“However, maintenance has not been performed on these trees for many years and as a result they are creating a threat to personal safety as they interfere with power lines and form a tripping risk from falling acorns,” the petition stated.
Cr Danny Goss aid Alford St was a unique St in Warragul.
But, he said, the street can be quite dark in winter and can drop a lot of leaves.
“Because it is such a unique street, the trees probably do need some sort of maintenance,” he said.
Cr Tricia Jones said some residents had refused to sign the petition.
“There are a lot of other residents in the street so we have to be aware of that,” she said.
Councillors called on officers to report back to council on the options for the trees in response to petitioners’ concerns.