Trees chopped down in Adelaide Parklands for O-Bahn extension through Rymill Park

PARKLANDS protesters say they are devastated trees in Rymill Park and Rundle Park are being chopped down for the controversial O-Bahn extension.

PARKLANDS protesters say they are devastated trees in Rymill Park and Rundle Park are being chopped down for the controversial O-Bahn extension.

The Transport Department says 77 trees are being removed for the project, four which are significant and 10 are regulated.

The removals include four significant trees, 10 regulated trees and 63 amenity trees in Rundle and Rymill Parks.

Workers started cutting down the trees on Tuesday morning.

“All efforts are continuously being made to reduce the impact on the parklands,” it said.

“Removals will be offset with new landscaping, that will be incorporated into the design of the project and surrounding areas, in consultation with the Adelaide City Council.”

The department said tree hollows would be removed from the site and stored for future use, as part of the urban design amenity improvements for the project.

“Large timber will be made into new pieces of furniture, play equipment or art for the parklands.

“DPTI reminds the public for safety reasons to observe signage around the parklands.”

Trees are being felled in the parklands to make way for the new O-Bahn extension. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

A large tree is toppled in the parklands this morning.

The route through the parklands. Trees are going in Rymill and Rundle parks.

Save Rymill Park campaign spokesman Shane Sody said it was a sad day for Adelaide.

“Most people in Adelaide I don’t think have realised the full extent of the devastation that the Government has always proposed for Rymill Park,” he said.

“This is just the start — there will be a massive trench carved through the park which the Government has misleadingly always called a tunnel. This trench will be partially roofed and the buses will emerge adjacent to Rymill Park lake — shattering the peace and calm of that spot.

“I’m shattered — we have lost. We have been defeated and Rymill Park has been defeated.”

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said it was disappointing to see the trees removed but it was a necessity for the project and a large number of trees will be replanted.

The trees lie on the ground. Pic: Naomi Jellicoe

The last leaf ... one of the trees are cut down for the O-Bahn extension. Pic: Naomi Jellicoe

“No one likes seeing these trees removed but it is necessary to ensure the Government can deliver this project,” he said.

“As well as ensuring we have met all approvals, the Government is working with the council and landscape architects to ensure we replace more trees than we are removing and reinstate the parklands to a higher standard around the project area.”

Ian Fehlberg and Angeline Kamleh say it was heartwrenching to see the trees come down. Pic: Naomi Jellicoe

Angeline Kamleh, 32, of Unley, said it was horrible to see the trees tore down.

“It was heart wrenching,” she said.

“I’m quite passionate about conservation issues and retaining green spaces in the city. It’s a beautiful park and its heritage listed. this space should be protected — its inappropriate for this kind of infrastructure to run through a community space like that.”

Ms Kamleh said the project could set a dangerous precedent.

“It will easier for them in the future to do this again — they can keep tampering with our parks which are something that the community needs and makes our lives better.”

Trees are being felled in the parklands to make way for the new O-Bahn extension. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

Protesters take to Rundle Mall to oppose the O-Bahn extension through Rymill Park.