Buckley St level crossing removal: protected trees cut down

ALMOST 20 large protected gum trees have been cut down to make way for a level crossing removal in Essendon, sparking a confrontation between workers and protesters.

The trees being cut down at the Buckley St level crossing. Picture: Ellen Smith

ALMOST 20 large protected gum trees have been cut down to make way for a level crossing removal in Essendon, sparking a confrontation between workers and protesters.

Police were called to the Buckley St site after reports a passer-by had abused workers just before 11am.

A police spokesman said no one was arrested.

Save Buckley St president Angelo Baronessa said a number of eye witnesses saw up to 30 security team members on-site.

RELATED: Council puts pressure on Premier over crossing

“This shows complete disrespect between the State Government and their constituents by employing security guards,” Mr Baronessa said.

“This is the first sign of the government able to abuse the power they’ve inherited.”
Mr Baronessa said residents visited the worksite to take photographs before the police were called.

The gum trees before they were cut down. Locals protested the construction of a road underpass on their street, by brightly decorating the 17 trees lining the median strip.

Moonee Valley mayor John Sipek said the council were told of the removal of the trees only after works had begun this morning.

“At no point were we informed about the removal of trees along Buckley St, which was clearly planned,” Cr Sipek said.

“While some residents have informed us that they did receive a notice informing them that arborists using specialised vegetation removal equipment would be in the area, there was no specific mention of which trees would be removed or where.”

Work begins on cutting down the trees.

Cr Sipek said the trees removed included 17 sugar gum trees, which were protected by an Environmental Significance Overlay in a council planning scheme, and were listed on the council’s Significant Tree Register.

But the crossing removal project now falls under the jurisdiction of the State Government after the project was declared under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act (MTPFA).

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan approved Amendment C180 for the project on December 28, granting the State Government full power to facilitate the project.

Gone: The trees after they were cut down. Picture: Facebook

“This amendment was prepared by the Minister for Planning at the request of the LXRA and effectively turns off all planning controls around the Buckley Street Level Crossing, including the ESO which protects these significant sugar gum trees,” Cr Sipek said.

Essendon State Labor Member Danny Pearson said he was glad to see work had commenced on the removal of the crossing.

Police keep an eye on protesters. Picture: Ellen Smith

“I know the majority of my community want to see this level crossing gone for good and the start of work today means locals will see a far safer and smoother journey and we preserve the iconic Essendon Station,” Mr Pearson said.

“We have consulted extensively on this project and those conversations will continue as work progresses. I encourage all locals to visit the info hub to learn more about the works ahead.”

Mr Pearson said letters were distributed to homes surrounding the Buckley St crossing late last week informing people of the early works.