Annandale resident fuming after council axes tree barrier

An Annandale resident has been left fuming after Townsville City Council chopped down a decades-old tree barrier without warning, leaving her family exposed to roaring traffic and prying eyes.

Rhonda Lapish at her Annandale home adjacent to University Drive where tree cover had been cut down. Picture: Evan Morgan

An Annandale resident has been left fuming after Townsville City Council chopped down a decades-old tree barrier, leaving her family exposed to roaring traffic and prying eyes.

Rhonda Lapish said she came home last Wednesday to find her family’s privacy had been “destroyed” after a leafy garden, which once shielded residents from the heavy traffic on University Rd near Lavarack Barracks, had been cleared.

The long-time resident said what made matters worse was that the council hadn’t bothered to consult with residents about the decision or even give them a heads-up beforehand.

“I was absolutely shocked. It was terrible,” she said.

Rhonda Lapish at her Annandale home adjacent to University Drive where tree cover had been cut down. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms Lapish said she now dreads going home during the day when traffic is busy.

“I can’t even open my curtains without passing motorists getting a clear view into my kitchen and family room,” she said.

“I can’t walk around in my own backyard because everyone can peer in or use our pool!”

Since buying their home in 2006, Ms Lapish says the noise is the worst it’s ever been.

She had long abandoned hope of the government erecting a sound barrier wall, but losing the tree buffer has pushed her to the edge.

“If I knew this was going to happen, I would have sold my house,” she said.

Rhonda Lapish at her Annandale home adjacent to University Drive where tree cover had been cut down. Picture: Evan Morgan

“They’ve destroyed our lives and the value of our property.”

Desperate for answers, Ms Lapish has reached out to the council and Councillor Suzy Batkovic who she’s set to meet with on Wednesday.

“She was very understanding of my frustrations, but I don’t think much can be done now the trees are already gone,” Ms Lapish said.

A council spokeswoman said they had removed “old vegetation and broken irrigation” from a roadside garden bed at Annandale, which was planted when the suburb was developed.

“Council did not complete pre-work consultation with residents before removing the plants, which has understandably resulted in strong feedback to Council from residents in the area,” she said.

Rhonda Lapish at her Annandale home adjacent to University Drive where tree cover had been cut down. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Consultation for the new garden begins this week, with council speaking with residents about the design for the new, low-maintenance dry tropics garden.

“As part of this design we are including a number of mature trees that have been grown in our own nursery, which will assist in beautifying the area while creating a suitable habitat for local pollinators like birds and butterflies.

“We will continue to communicate with residents in the area regarding these garden works.”

Originally published as Annandale resident fuming after council axes tree barrier