Parramatta: Trees removed at Robin Thomas Reserve for light rail project
Grand 130-year-old Moreton Bay figs were wiped out along Anzac Pde for the city light rail and now established trees at Parramatta are the latest casualty of the western Sydney transport project.
Parramatta
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Their canopy has provided shade and a “beautiful frame” to Robin Thomas Reserve for more than 60 years but the grand Hills fig trees are the latest casualty of the State Government’s controversial $2.4 billion light rail project ripping up Parramatta.
The first of three fig trees, which are between 45 and 65 years old, was cleared on Wednesday night, when Granville Waratah Soccer Football Club president snapped the destruction at his club’s former homeground.
“On game day the trees prevent many a ball hitting the road and prevented kids chasing the ball,’’ he said.
“When cricket’s played, the shade they provided on a hot summer day was fantastic and it’s just the beauty and aesthetics.
“These trees provide a frame to the beautiful picture of Robin Thomas Reserve. They are unique to the district and they have been lost.”
The club and community have been fully aware the trees would go for the light rail project that connects Westmead to Carlingford but it follows years of unsuccessful lobbying the Berejiklian Government to divert the rail line away from the park and to nearby Argus Lane instead.
Until January, the club was uncertain about where its next home would be until it was relocated to North Parramatta’s Doyle Ground North Parramatta. However the poor state meant they will kick off their season this weekend at Richie Benaud Oval.
But the tree removal has left the club with a heavy heart.
“This is fauna heritage,’’ Mr Dona said.
“Even the light rail crew would be sad to cut down these beautiful trees but they’re just doing their job.’’
North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group spokeswoman Suzette Meade slammed the removal of trees as western Sydney grapples with increasingly hot summers.
“I think the trees going are severely diminishing our tree canopy in Parramatta with less shade and no pool,’’ she said.
The government has promised to plant 3500 replacement trees across the Parramatta local government area over four years but Ms Meade doubted those would be planted at the reserve.
The government has earmarked eight new trees for each of the three fig trees removed at Robin Thomas Reserve and plans new trees for streets along the rail corridor that Parramatta Council has identified as the hottest.
However, it is unlikely those trees will grow where the figs that lined Robin Thomas Reserve stood.
“Planting locations take into account tree size,’’ a Transport for NSW spokeswoman said.
“Tree roots can cause damage to significant archaeological and cultural sites.
“Transport for NSW is respectful of the known Aboriginal and colonial heritage of Robin Thomas Reserve.
“Every effort is made to avoid and minimise impacts to trees. It was not possible to retain the trees at the reserve due to their location close to the light rail alignment near the corner of Harris and Macquarie streets.’’
Last month, 145 trees, some which were 65 years old, were obliterated on the Cumberland Hospital site for the light rail, which also smashed its wrecking ball on the 200-year-old Royal Oak Hotel in May.
Overall, the government plans five mature fig trees and 76 fig tree cuttings to replace the fig trees removed at Cumberland Hospital and Robin Thomas Reserve.