Tree removal works took place on Friday 11 July, on Rossi Street, Yass, carried out by Essential Energy contractors. The job, however, was incomplete due to a protest that prevented work from being carried out.
Yass Council said safety barriers and traffic controls are in place to ensure the safety of the public and workers while the work is underway. Council acknowledged the public concern regarding the removal of the established trees. They remain certain in going ahead since they believe the decision follows expert advice from an independent arborist and safety concerns raised by Essential Energy, residents and Council staff.
The two London Plane trees and one White Cedar tree have been assessed as being incompatible with nearby overhead power infrastructure due to their growth toward power poles and services. The arborist identified independently a risk of major branch failure in all three trees, with a likelihood that branches could split from the trunk. Based on these findings, the arborist recommended removal as a necessary measure to ensure public safety and advised that any replacement species should be better suited to the site’s overhead power constraints.
Council affirmed that they have kept residents informed throughout this process and appreciate the community’s understanding. CEO Gayleen Burley and YVC Directors met with concerned residents to discuss mitigation options and explain that the trees are not identified as heritage items under the Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP).
Once the removal is complete, Council said they will consult with residents about suitable replacement species that are safe to plant near overhead power lines. These new plantings will help restore the street shade and character of the area, with species chosen for their ability to live sustainably with the electricity infrastructure.
At the time of writing, not all trees have been removed. Local Sue O’Leary (pictured) was almost arrested for the protest and gave the Yass Valley Times her account of the event.
“On Friday, hearing loud noises coming from out in Rossi Street, I went out to the street. I found someone in a cherry picker hacking the 104-year-old Plane tree near the child care centre.
“I got my chair and my ‘Save our Trees’ sign and sat next to the barrier. The worker in the cherry picker stopped, and I was asked to move.
“I replied ‘These trees are [very] old, planted by Mayor Thane in 1904. They can’t be chopped down to the ground’.
“The cherry picker moved to another tree and I followed. Within thirty-five minutes, Yass Police arrived. Then a second police car, soon followed by a third. Officers suggested to members of the group that I may be arrested and led away.
“Out of the third car strode the Inspector. He quickly ascertained that there was an impasse. The Inspector expressed his concern that someone could be injured. He said that he expressed his concern to a representative for Essential Energy at the job.
“Then the Inspector said that he thought everyone should stand down. Further, there should be sensible consultation and discussion between all parties to find a way forward. I said to him that a full assessment from a Level 5 Arborist which would give a comprehensive report showing the full range of management options with reasons for the preferred one may provide some assurance for our community.
“At present, many in our community tell me that they have no confidence in the Yass Valley Council tree management policies. It would be great to have our Yass Valley councillors and CEO sit down with members of our community for full and frank discussions on an agreed way forward.”
-Jack Murray
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