CYPRESS trees at the southern end of James Street are definitely getting the axe.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Moyne Shire Council confirmed its decision to remove the trees at this week’s meeting but will consult the community about a replacement species.
The council received two arborists’ reports recommending the removal of the 80-year-old trees due to the risks they presented from falling limbs.
The decision to axe the trees drew considerable community outcry and a public petition, but the council agreed it had to be done.
“Two arborists have given us advice that they’re a risk,” Cr Mick Wolfe said at this week’s shire meeting.
“It’s the responsibility of council to get rid of that risk – God help us if something happens to someone (because of those trees).”
Cr Ian Smith said the effective life of the cypresses was 50 years.
“The longer we leave the decision, the worse the trees will get,” Cr Smith said.
“I’m reluctant to see trees be cut down but they do have a finite life.”
There could be similar angst for the council as they explore whether to remove seven Norfolk Island hibiscus trees – also known as “itchy bomb” trees – in historic Wishart Street.
Acting director of physical services Leah Johnston said it would be “a contentious issue for many of the residents”.
The request for the trees’ removal has come from a resident whose granddaughter suffers “severe allergy issues associated with the trees … when she visits”.
Cr Mick Wolfe stressed that the council had not voted to remove the trees yet but was seeking input from the community on the idea.
“We’re not doing it because we don’t like trees and want to chop them all down,” Cr Wolfe said in regards to the James Street and Wishart Street trees.
He called for people to give the council feedback on the itchy bomb trees.
“It’s a medical and a health issue, that’s why this has come to us,” Cr Wolfe said.
“Give us your feedback.”
Twenty-six itchy bomb trees were removed from James and Bank streets in 2012 following a petition from local residents complaining about health issues caused by the hibiscuses.
The Wishart Street trees are growing through the actual street and replacements would be planted on the nature strip.
Cr Jordan Lockett noted the “itchy bombs” or seed pods from the trees were a favourite for “bullies to put down the back of people’s shirts” due to the irritation they caused.
“Wishart Street is one of the most historic streets in Port Fairy so we will be guided by the people who live there,” Cr Lockett said.
