Tree stays despite damage
A tree struck by lightning in Warragul’s Logan Park has been declared safe by Baw Baw Shire Council.
Lightning strike during storms on November 25 struck a tree at Warragul Harness Racing Club’s horse shade area, causing a portion of the tree to split along its base.
Baw Baw Shire Council conducted a preliminary inspection of the tree last week, resulting in no immediate concerns.
A spokesperson said an arborist had been consulted to assess the viability of the tree.
“While a full report is still pending the tree is not considered a hazard and does not need to be removed or be pruned,” the spokesperson said. “The tree will continue to be monitored. “If it is determined that the trees is hazardous or likely to decline as a result of the strike, the tree will be removed.”
Mother Nature had put on a lightning show worth watching on the night. The horizon as far as you could see was lit up with amazing colours and lightning strikes as the sun set.
Storm lovers were in their element listening to the thunder crashes as the sky lit up with lightning.
But rain with the storm had varied across West Gippsland, with Warragul recording 10mm for the 24-hour period to Sunday morning, while the Bureau of Meteorology weather station at Nilma North recorded only 3mm.
The Mawarra Centre has been awarded a grant of $10,000 for its community shed project.
Mawarra will use the funding from the State Trustees Australia Foundation Grassroots Grant program to help build a shed for the delivery of social, recreational, educational and vocational programs for people living with a disability.
Currently the centre has groups undertaking woodwork, mosaics and mud brick making.