Pemulwuy residents propose fruit trees for nature strip
A group of western Sydney green thumbs is behind an immune-boosting plan to populate their neighbourhood’s nature strips with fruit trees but the idea is leaving a bitter taste with some community members.
Parramatta
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A group of Pemulwuy green thumbs is behind an immune-boosting plan to populate their neighbourhood’s nature strips with fruit trees but the idea is leaving a bitter taste with some Cumberland councillors who are concerned it will attract bats and pose a liability risk.
Personal trainer and Pemulwuy resident Lesley Spaliviero hatched the idea in an effort to boost health and give back to the community and said it had drawn an “enormous’’ community response.
“Some people are worried about insects, some people are worried about bats and birds and whatever else,’’ she said.
“However, I just believe that this will be a nutritional thing for everybody, boosting up immune systems where people don’t have proper immune systems.’’
Cumberland Council won’t fund the dwarf trees but needs to change policy to permit the gardening project that presently only allows native flora lining footpaths.
Deputy Mayor Eddy Sarkis has supported residents’ proposal.
“With all the fast food out there, people like to eat something more organic because on the street no one’s going to be using pesticides,’’ he said.
“When we were growing up there was a front garden and back garden and everyone had a tree there. Today you don’t see that anymore. The kids are missing out and it’s food for kids’ development as well.’’
However, councillor Michael Zaiter opposed the idea and expressed concerns over the council’s loss of control and possible liability.
“If this is planted on council land, it’s our responsibility to try and deal with this tree if no one else ends up looking after this tree,’’ he said.
“Does that mean we’re going to end up with a whole bunch of fruit trees left there for us to deal with in the future?
“I’m more than happy to support possibly planting trees in our parks or even some sort of community garden but in terms of having them ad hoc on our footpaths, I don’t support.’’
Proponents say would not be drawn to the trees because they are only drawn to tall trees.
A council spokeswoman said, as part of its strategy, factors such as the mature height of trees, potential root zone damage, public safety and proximity to infrastructure and hard surfaces were considered when allowing trees on nature strips.
The council will prepare a report before determining residents’ idea.