MP calls for all South Australian councils to audit potentially dangerous trees following death of Judy Ditter

There are calls for all SA councils to review large trees hanging over busy roads following a fatal incident at Stirling this month.

There have been calls for a full audit of trees after the tragic death of Judy Ditter. Picture: Mike Burton

All South Australian councils must conduct an audit of trees overhanging busy roads following the tragic death of a motorist at Stirling earlier this month, a state MP has demanded.

SA-BEST MLC Frank Pangallo wrote to the Local Government Association and certain council mayors, requesting a review of trees with large limbs overhanging main roads.

He said his request was sparked by a freak incident on Mount Barker Road in the Adelaide Hills, where a large tree branch fell on a moving car, killing Seymour College teacher Judy Ditter, 59.

The eastern cottonwood tree was on a private property, but the branch fell on to the busy road, killing Ms Ditter and injuring two others.

The tree that fell on Ms Ditter appeared to be of poor health and failed amid strong winds. Picture: Lydia Kellner

“I have long held concerns about the prevalence of other potentially dangerous trees that overarch traffic thoroughfares in the state,” Mr Pangallo wrote.

“You only need to travel along some very busy main roads like Goodwood Road at Daw Park, Belair Road at Mitcham, Greenhill Road at Tusmore and Burnside and Henley Beach Road at Torrensville to see accidents just waiting to happen.”

Mr Pangallo said tragic incidents like at Stirling “can be mitigated if councils paid more attention to the dangers posed by overhanging trees”.

LGA chief executive Matt Pinnegar responded, saying the association asked some councils to invite Mr Pangallo for a meeting, so they can demonstrate initiatives used to maintain trees.

“We understand (his) concerns, and can assure the community that councils take their tree management responsibilities very seriously,” he said.

Consulting arborist Michael Palamountain said it was “not feasible” for all councils to do an audit of all trees under their control in a short period of time.

A large tree branch that fell at Mitcham Reserve in December 2019. Picture: Supplied

“To do so requires significant resources, which is disproportionate to the low level of risk generally posed by trees,” he said.

“Most trees pose some level of risk (generally low), and society must accept some level of risk in order to enjoy the great benefits that trees provide.”

Mr Palamountain said it should be expected that certain tree species are more likely to fail amid hot conditions.

“Those trees more likely to suffer from sudden branch drop during hot weather events are those that have underlying health issues … structural defects, a history of poor pruning … or a range of other possible factors that may affect tree condition.

“Tree owners and managers should take proportionate steps to have their trees inspected and managed by qualified arborists.”

A top of 40C was forecast for Friday and a maximum of 38C on Saturday.

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Originally published as MP calls for all South Australian councils to audit potentially dangerous trees following death of Judy Ditter