Moore Park trees could face the axe for WestConnex connection
A FEDERAL MP has stepped in to try to save a breathtaking avenue of mature fig trees which could be threatened as a result of State Government road plans.
Southern Courier
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A FEDERAL MP has stepped in to try to save a breathtaking avenue of mature fig trees which could be threatened as a result of State Government road plans.
Kingsford Smith MP Matt Thistlethwaite is demanding “transparency” over the number of trees which will be felled or pruned as a result of the Alexandria to Moore Park Connectivity Upgrade (A2MP) plan.
The current concept design confirms fig trees on the eastern side of South Dowling St next to Dacey Ave would be “affected” by road widening.
It also states “some impact” is expected in Dacey Ave. A shared cycle/footpath would weave around trees “where possible”.
After hundreds of trees were felled as a result of light rail construction, Mr Thistlethwaite said the latest development was “pretty grim” for the community.
“They’re destroying our natural heritage,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
“These trees are part of the character of Randwick and they’re being taken without any notification to the wider community.
“There’s no transparency about what the government is doing here.
“A lot of people are upset about it and we just want the government explain to us what their plans are, why they need to take these trees, and how many they plan to take. They can’t even respond to our requests for that information.”
The A2MP plan, released by Roads and Maritime Services as part of WestConnex, said the upgrades “would result in some unavoidable impacts to trees”.
“However, as the design is in its preliminary form, the exact number of trees impact is still to be determined.”
Mr Thistlethwaite said he had been contacted by “numerous” residents concerned about the development.
“Protest,” he said. “Tell the government that you’re not happy and that we demand to know what’s going on with our natural heritage and green space.”
A RMS spokesman said the final concept design and environment assessment would provide specific details of the potential impacts of the project. It is expected to be made public by June.
DRUGS, SAFETY PROMPT REMOVALS
A MATURE hills figs tree on the corner of Dacey Ave and Anzac Parade in Moore Park was removed on Friday after a large branch fell onto Dacey Ave about 4am.
No one was injured and no cars were hit.
The Centennial Parklands arborist team assessed the tree and determined an emergency removal was necessary.
A number of trees were also removed by the parklands staff around E S Marks Field in Dacey Ave and near Moore Park Golf Course.
TREE OF KNOWLEDGE GOES
Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands executive director Kim Ellis wrote to concerned residents to tell them the trees were removed for safety reasons.
“This location has unfortunately become an increasingly popular site for attracting anti-social behaviour, with drug paraphernalia being discarded in the undergrowth and scrub,” Ms Ellis said.
“Naturally, this is an unacceptable safety hazard, particularly with it being so close to a childcare centre, and children’s leisure space.
“By removing the vegetation, parklands management is confident that this activity will cease.”
The site is awaiting rejuvenation as part of the Moore Park Master Plan.