Tree removal

Ararat Rural City Council, an arborist and a district contractor have come up with a solution to remove a large fallen tree on Alexandra Lake Island in Ararat’s Alexandra Gardens.

The issue was more complex than first suspected and the council is now removing several trees from the island.

An arborist’s report found complicating factors such as unstable ground, access issues and safety concerns.

Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the tree’s fall had compromised the integrity of several trees on the island and the arborist’s report recommended the removal of three other trees.

“The issue is a lot more complicated than we first thought because of the unstable nature of the island,” Dr Harrison said.

“The removal of the trees poses a lot of technical issues – unfortunately it’s not a simple job, which is why it has taken a few weeks for council staff, the arborist and contractor to find a solution.

“The ground is not stable because it’s surrounded by water, so it’s not possible to drive heavy machinery on to the island, but the contractor we have engaged has come up with a solution.”

Dr Harrison said the council had contracted Shea Earth and Water to do the works, and thanked owner Jon Shea and staff for their help.

Work was scheduled to start yesterday after busy Australia Day celebrations in the gardens on Saturday.

Dr Harrison said the work should take about five days but reassured the community that access restrictions would be kept to a minimum.

“Small areas of the gardens near the island will be closed to the public for short periods of time,” he said

“The swimming pool operators and the Gardens Lake Café owner have been notified of the work and access to their facilities will not be impacted.”

Dr Harrison said the council would replace the trees with a species suited to the unstable ground.