Alford St oaks saved
Oak trees will continue to be an iconic feature of Warragul’s Alford St after Baw Baw Shire Council resolved to maintain the trees without compromising their beauty.
Council also will sweep footpaths in Alford St on a weekly basis during litter fall periods to improve safety for pedestrians.
A report presented to council last week responded to two petitions relating to maintenance of the oak trees.
The first petition, signed by 14 people, stated there had been no maintenance of the trees for a number of years and as a result they were “creating a threat to personal safety as they interfere with powerlines and form a tripping risk from falling acorns.”
A second petition, signed by 65 people, said pruning the trees would impact the visual aesthetics, property values and majestic nature of Alford St.
Council officers assessed the trees and recommended that council continue to comply with maintenance of the trees to meet electrical safety regulations.
Council will continue to prune the oak trees as required to ensure structural integrity and health, whilst maintaining resident and community safety.
A number of residents addressed council before councillors considered the report.
On behalf of signatories to the second petition, Bree Bateman said they were very pleased with the officer’s recommendation to protect the trees for future generations.
“We all moved in there knowing the seasonal habits so it is disappointing that a minority want them cut back. “It won’t stop the acorns and leaves falling. Ms Bateman said she was working towards having the trees registered for their heritage value and protected.
“Warragul once had many fine avenues of trees. Alford St is one of the few left to have a full canopy of trees,” she said.
Michael Gleeson said the acorns fell for about three to four weeks a year and leaves fell for six to eight weeks. He said he did not see any hazard.
“I have never heard of anyone having an incident. It’s a temporary inconvenience and the payback is enormous.
“The trees are iconic. The way subdivisions are developed now we may never see that again,” Mr Gleeson said.
Madeleine Paulay-Cook said she wanted to see the trees trimmed.
She said the trees were dangerous when acorns were falling and may hit people on the head. She said the tree litter was dangerous to kids on their bikes and elderly residents.
Ms Paula-Cook said there also were a lot of branches that hung over into people’s properties.
Cr Danny Goss said he did not understand how pruning the trees would stop acorns falling.
He agreed it was difficult to walk along the street when acorns and leaves fell “but you don’t have to walk along there.”
“I am not sure it’s a threat to personal safety. But weekly sweeping along there will certainly help the amenity of the street,” he said.
Cr Peter Kostos said he would prefer not to prune the trees at all but the power companies insisted on it.
Mayor Joe Gauci said the oak trees and footpaths would continue to be maintained to ensure public safety, structural integrity and health of the trees without impeding on their beauty.
“The grand appearance of Alford Street owes itself to the heritage oaks. We will continue to prioritise the safety of our residents while ensuring an enhanced community quality of life,” he said.