Residents divided on Alford Street oaks
Alford Street’s grand oak trees will not be trimmed without a fight.
Baw Baw Shire Council has received a petition signed by 65 people pleading with council to protect the “future of these majestic guardians.”
A Facebook page “Help Save the Alford St Trees” also has been launched to create support and lobby council.
Last week’s petition was in response to a petition tabled last month with council, signed by 14 residents, who called on council to prune the trees because they interfered with power lines and created a tripping risk with falling acorns.
After reading about the petition in The Gazette, other residents and community members have now petitioned council to protect the iconic avenue of trees.
Cr Mikaela Power presented the petition last week. She said petitioners said the oak trees “give value, hold memories and provide solace.”
“We ask that council consider this when deliberating the future of these majestic guardians,” the petitioners said.
Cr Power read a submission from Bree Bateman and Richard Williams that accompanied the petition.
The submission said 25 Alford St residents wanted to retain the majestic appearance of the oak trees.
The submission drew attention to some of the comments on the Facebook page.
“My favourite street in Warragul. Do the residents realise that these trees add thousands of dollars to their property values?”
“My grandparents built their house in Alford St. I grew up playing in the leaves. Beautiful street.”
“I drive and walk down here just because it is a majestic atmosphere and gives me a sense of calming and happiness. I love that there is still beautiful little streets like this in our town.”
The submission said some residents had Alford St for their home because of the beautiful trees.
“All of the people that we have personally spoken to acknowledge that some pruning around electricity wires is required for safety. “However, the reporting by the Gazette newspaper that a petition had been submitted calling for “council to prune the trees to respect property boundaries of residents” has raised alarm.
“In some instances this would require two meters of tree canopy to be removed, resulting in huge scars to their visual appeal,” the submission said.
Council received the petition. Officers will prepare a report back to council in response to both petitions.