Mont Albert: Residents devastated as LXRP cuts down WWI Avenue Of Honour trees

Locals are fuming after level crossing removal workers cut down a set of trees honouring local WWI veterans in Melbourne’s east.

Residents have lashed out at the state government after trees planted in honour of local World War I veterans were chopped down in front of their eyes for a new railway station in Melbourne’s east.

At least three of nine trees at Mont Albert’s Avenue of Honour on Churchill St were cut down on Thursday morning to allow for a level crossing removal project.

According to locals, the trees were planted on ANZAC Day’s 50th anniversary in 1965 and dedicated to nine local men who fought in World War I, including one who died at Gallipoli.

The trees have been removed to make way for a hi-rail access pad, which will provide access to the new combined Mont Albert and Surrey Hills station.

John Trevorrow, who has lived in the area for years and is a direct descendant of one of Diggers’ family, described the LXRP’s actions as “pathetic”.

“It’s terribly sad and I’m really disappointed,” Mr Trevorrow said.

John Trevorrow with one of the four trees honouring his uncles who served in WW1 which are being chopped down in Churchill St, Mont Albert. Picture: Supplied.

“The work is necessary but they’re leaving a scar on the landscape and wiping out both local and part of my family’s history.

“It’s quite pathetic that they didn’t try harder to find an alternative stop … and instead run roughshod over the local community’s wishes.”

Churchill St resident Simon Seear said locals were “completely horrified” and the removal of the trees “makes no actual sense”.

Mont Albert residents have lost their battle to save trees in the Avenue of Honour on Churchill St. Picture: Supplied.

Workers removing trees in Mont Albert’s Avenue of Honour for level crossing removal works on Thursday, December 16. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Seear said the LXRP ignored pleas to “save as many trees as possible” after more than 2000 people signed a petition and Whitehorse Council made a push to protect the Avenue of Honour in October.

“It has been looked after and cared for by the locals until the Andrews government decided to destroy it,” Mr Seear said.

“Apart from the shock of losing the Avenue of Honour, it’s been the deception of the LXRP and the Labor Party which has been most upsetting,” he said.

Churchill St residents told the Herald Sun they were informed “less than 48 hours ago” that three trees would be cut down.

The LXRP website confirmed six of the nine trees “that reportedly serve as a memorial to some local residents … including the tree with the plaque” would be retained.

But local resident and community group president Kirsten Langford said she heard on Thursday morning “five trees might be going”.

Whitehorse Mayor Tina Liu said the council was “concerned that LXRP is not paying much regard to community or council’s voice”.

“The legislation enabling state government major transport infrastructure projects provides broad powers to … the LXRP to make these decisions and leaves residents and council with little voice and few options,” she said.

A spokesman for the authority said Churchill St was “the only suitable location” for the access pad.

“Alternative locations suggested by residents do not meet the track geometry and other technical requirements for this type of facility,” their website stated.

“The hi-rail access pad is a critical piece of infrastructure that is needed to provide access for maintenance vehicles and machinery to enter the new rail trench and keep rail services operating safely.”

The spokesman also said there was no evidence the trees were planted in 1965, and after seeking independent advice, the authority found no basis for formal heritage protection.

The authority is removing level crossings at Union Rd, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert St, Mont Albert, lowering the rail line beneath the roads and building a new combined Mont Albert and Surrey Hills station as part of its works.