Hackney gum tree spared the axe — again — to delight of Housing Choices SA residents

The fate of a large gum tree in Hackney appears to have been sealed in good news for those who fought for its protection.

A large Hackney gum tree threatened with removal will be pruned in a decision that has been celebrated by those who fought for its protection.

Residents in a social housing block had last year rallied against community housing provider Housing Choices SA plan’s to fell the lemon-scented gum in the carpark of the Richmond St property.

The social housing provider had cited an arborist’s report that said the tree, which is not native to South Australia, was a safety risk and had to be removed.

Arborists had attended the site in October last year but were met by protesters and were unable to cut down the tree because of a car parked underneath.

Residents last month received a letter rom Housing Choices SA advising them that the tree would be pruned on March 9 to remove “long extended branches”.

Matthew Hunter, Victor Burks, Belaynes Asrat with her children Abiy, Tsion, and Bereket pictured in front of the gum tree last year. Picture Emma Brasier

Resident Victor Burks, who mobilised opposition to the tree’s removal, said it was good news and he hoped that it would ensure the tree’s long-term future.

“I’m taking the letter as an admission that they won’t remove it … that’s what my hope is,” he said.

“I also want to give Housing Choice credit for changing their mind.”

He said the housing provider’s complaints officer told him that she had been inundated with complaints from people opposed to the tree’s axing.

He said the majority of residents wanted the tree saved and he said that it was a haven for birdlife and provided important shade.

Tree advocate Joanna Wells, who organised a snap protest outside the housing estate last year, said Housing Choices’s decision to prune the tree was a “victory for people power” and that “commonsense” had prevailed.

The tree is a regulated tree and the removal required approval from Norwood Payneham & St Peter’s Council.