One of the most beautiful features of Tenterfield may be one of the biggest risks to safety, presenting a dilemma for decision makers and neighbours alike. Many of the mature trees that grace Tenterfield town and add colour to autumn are aging, unstable, interfering with infrastructure and a potential hazard to life and property.
What’s a council to do?
“Council has a legal and moral obligation to manage our street trees in a responsible manner so that these assets do not become a liability to our community by falling over onto power lines, houses, cars or people”, a statement from Tenterfield Shire says. Council’s determination is derived from assessments by a qualified arborist.
Yet, some residents are unconvinced and have expressed their distress that mature trees will be removed. “Many of them are apparently still healthy,” said one local.
“It could severely damage our local tourist trade.”
Council is asking the public to join in the decision-making process. There is in place a Draft Tree Management Plan which council asks residents to read and, if possible, make submissions.
“Council also seeks input from the community regarding the preferred tree species that will be used as replacement trees for the Pin Oak trees in Logan, Clarence and Cowper Streets that are currently affecting overhead power lines and others that have or about to reach their safe and useful life”.
Tenterfield Shire faces enormous budgetary pressures and the replacement of street trees will no doubt be done in stages. Council is asking residents living on Logan, Clarence and Cowper Streets to give feedback specifically on removing trees from both sides of the road; preferences for new species for a new avenue from an approved list of suitable trees; removal of Pin Oak trees where there are existing power lines and preference for new species. The list of suitable species includes Crepe Myrtle, Maple, Chinese Pistachio, Manchurian Pear, Ornamental Plum/Pear, Prunus Cerasifera Nigra.
“Kindly indicate only a single tree species out of the listed six as your preferred replacement street tree”.
Council asks the community to make their submissions by emailing council@tenterfield.nsw.gov.au by Friday 9 May.
Do you live on Logan, Clarence or Cowper Streets? Join the conversation and email voneiff.journo@gmail.com
