North East Link: State politician, mayor join community fight to save tree
A passionate community movement to save a 300-year-old redgum threatened by North East Link plans is gathering momentum. Find out the latest on the tree’s fate.
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The fight to save a 300-year-old redgum tree likely to be chopped down to make room for the North East Link has won support from a state politician and the mayor of Manningham.
Eastern Metropolitan member Rod Barton and Heide ward Cr Paula Piccinini have came out swinging alongside the community, as calls to find a way to save the Bulleen tree intensified.
The Manningham Leader reported last week the tree was likely to be axed despite planners exploring ways the planned Manningham Rd interchange could go around or below the landmark.
In parliament last week Mr Barton called on tree supporters to prepare submissions by the June 7 deadline.
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Mr Barton, a founder of the Transport Matters Party, said the road was “vital but must be done right”.
“It’s not good enough to wipe out local icons like the redgum because it’s the easiest solution,” Mr Barton said.
“At the moment, the plans are only a reference design. My advice to project managers is to not rush (the process).”
Cr Piccinini said the council was committed to protecting the tree.
“To date it has been protected with a heritage overlay and is registered as a significant tree in the National Trust,” she said.
“The tree serves as a local landmark and remains from an ancient landscape.”
Cr Piccinini said it was “unclear if removing this tree is just a cost cutting exercise”.
Leader’s readers on Facebook last week expressed support for retaining the tree.
Catherine Morris wrote “This is disgusting. This project is devastating our parklands with absolutely zero benefit to Manningham and our council is asleep at the wheel”.
Kimberley Mather Brodie said: “I find this whole process a disgrace.”
The Leader’s story attracted seven sad and 13 angry reactions on the social media platform when it was posted on May 2.