Anzac Pde trees planted for Diggers in 1917 to get chainsaw after Australia Day

THE Baird Government will today order in the chainsaws to start removing Anzac Pde fig trees, planted nearly a century ago to honour Australia’s World War I Diggers.

Moore Park trees on Anzac Pde which have fenced off and are due to be cut down for the light rail.

THE Baird Government will today order in the chainsaws to start removing Anzac Pde fig trees, planted nearly a century ago to honour Australia’s World War I Diggers.

Residents and environmentalists were furious the government only released detailed maps of the Moore Park works less than a fortnight ago, which are being carried out to make way for the $2.1b South East light rail.

“I’ve followed this issue for two-and-a-half years and I had no idea these trees were going ... it’s just disgusting,” Kensington resident Jane Grusovin said.

Moore Park trees on Anzac Pde in front of three mounds of woodchip where trees have already been removed.

Transport for NSW said eight trees of various species and sizes would be gone by February 3.

But maps released on January 14 show about 40 roadside trees would eventually be removed between the Albert “Tibby” Cotter Walkway and Lang Rd, with more to go inside the park.

The double row of trees was planted in 1917 and the road was named in honour of Australian troops who marched down it to Circular Quay to board ships for war.

Trees will mainly be taken from the eastern row and “transplanted” where possible.

Transport for NSW argued it would plant more trees than were removed.

“Transport for NSW’s revegetation package will ensure two trees replace every small tree that is removed ... four trees replace all medium trees and eight new trees replace every large tree,” a spokesman said.

Activists used Australia Day to make a point about the history behind the trees. 

Activists such as Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre have mobilised again after last week protesting the removal of trees on Alison Rd.

“This is going to go on for a while … absolutely people should take whatever actions they feel comfortable with,” Mr Angel said.

Others used Australia Day yesterday - putting up signs and Australian flags at the site - to remind people of the heritage about to be lost.

Transport for NSW also argued extensive consultation took place during and before it announced changes to the light rail route in late 2014.

“All submissions made by stakeholders and the community are summarised on the Sydney Light Rail website,” a spokesman said.

Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust which controls the area was comfortable authorities were doing all they could to avoid removing the trees.

“We are satisfied with arrangements that assessments are made by arborists as to whether trees can be relocated or simply cut back,” a spokesman said.

Centennial Park Residents Association co-chair Peter Tzannes said the government should run the light rail down the Anzac Pde bus lane to avoid the historic trees.