Community protest over State Government plans to fell 180 trees for Golden Grove Rd upgrade
More than 50 residents have staged a demonstration against a State Government plan to fell close to 200 gum trees to clear the way for a road upgrade project.
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- River red gum trees cut down for $20m Golden Grove Road upgrade
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More than 50 residents have protested the removal of centuries old river red gums to make way for the $20 million Golden Grove Rd upgrade.
Tea Tree Gully Mayor Kevin Knight threw his support behind the State Government’s removal of about 180 trees.
Mr Knight said that while it was sad that more than 20 river red gums would be removed, it was necessary for the government to deliver the project.
“It’s tragic 200 to 300-year-old river red gums being cut down,” Mr Knight said.
“But they were always going to go.
“They (the Transport Department) made every effort to avoid it.
“They’re in a no-win situation.”
A protest was held this evening at the corner of Hancock and Golden Grove roads to “save as many trees as possible”.
Protest organiser Sonia Blackwell hoped it would encourage the State Government to rethink how many trees would be removed.
The demonstration appeared to win the support of passing motorists, with regular toots of encouragement as residents proudly waved banners and slogans.
The protest also drew Tea Tree Gully councillor Brett Rankine and Federal MP for Makin Tony Zappia.
“This State Government doesn’t give a crap about our wildlife”.
Fauna Rescue SA carer Karyn Green said the State Government needed to save as many trees as it possibly could.
“It’s very sad,” Ms Green said.
“It’s important we do something about this now.”
Mr Zappia said the State Government needed to question if it was necessary to cut down every tree it intended to.
“Continue to make your stand,” Mr Zappia urged protesters. “Nobody opposes the upgrade, it’s how it’s done that matters.”
Acting Transport Minister David Speirs told The Messenger on Wednesday the felling of about 180 trees was an “unfortunate consequence” of the project.
He said some of the trees would be given to Adelaide Koala Rescue to build climbing areas for koalas and joeys affected by the recent bushfires.
Contractors began felling for the project’s first stage – which runs from Kunzea Way to One Tree Hill Rd – last year. That stage is expected to be completed by mid-2020.
The work includes a new roundabout at the junction of Golden Grove and Hancock Rd, new footpaths and on-road bike lanes.
In a letter to residents on January 15, Liberal MP for King Liberal Paula Luethen said balancing the interests of the local community with delivering the project was a “challenging task”.
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Cr Rankine said “at no time” were residents consulted about a “mass destruction” of trees.
“Residents understood and accepted some trees would need to be cleared, but are now feeling misled and betrayed,” Cr Rankine said.
“Massive historic gums are being cut down that are so far from the road’s edge that they sit behind the stobie poles.
“There is no reason for their removal.”
