Warburton gum tree: Historic tree at Warburton Recreation Reserve set to get the chop

Talks continue about the future of a huge gum tree slated for removal in Warburton, with the chainsaws on hold for now.

The future of a historic tree in the heart of Warburton remains in the balance, with Yarra Ranges Council delaying plans to cut it down.

The council’s plans to remove the huge gum from Warburton Recreation Reserve in late March were hampered after interference from a protester.

Now, after more concerns were raised by community members, plans for the “treasured landmark” are on hold.

In an update on March 31, the council said it had heard more about the significance of the tree and had been able to explain more about its structural issues, as outlined in the arborist’s report.

“Council recognises this is a difficult situation: the tree is a treasured landmark and deserves recognition, but it is currently unsafe and a risk to public, and cannot be ignored,” the update said.

“Fencing at the site will be strengthened shortly to form a wider exclusion zone around the tree to help improve public safety in the area.

“Council is continuing to assess the situation before advising community of any works.”

The tree set to be chopped down. Picture: Ryan Tews

Warburton resident Ryan Tews said locals had met with the council and expressed their concerns about the lack of transparency regarding other options for the tree, and how the council made the decision to cut it down.

“They admitted they didn’t explore those options as much as they should of and admitted it was a bit rushed,” Mr Tews said.

“We have had a few independent arborist reports which we’ve presented to them which shows there are options to retain the tree in a safe manner.”

Mr Tews said there was important evidence of the tree being used for habitat.

“We have found multiple bird families are currently roosting young babies in the tree including galahs and kookaburras,” he said.

“There are also gang-gang cockatoos which are endangered and are using the tree every day.”

Mr Tews said he would like to see a park created around the base of the tree as outlined in the council’s proposed urban design framework.

“The council came up with the design to place a park around the base of the tree excluding the cars from parking under it and providing a healthy habitat for the tree to continue carrying out its life,” he said.

Mr Tews said he had met with arborists who had confirmed that it was possible to retain the tree, but there may have to be works done to make it safe.

“The tree can be trimmed and braced in order to be maintained and retained safety,” he said.

A “tree sitter” has recently been spotted in the canopy of the tree to protest its removal, while a Save the Tree: Open Mic concert was also recently held at the site.

UPDATE FROM MARCH 24:

A protester has stopped Yarra Ranges Council workers from removing a large decaying tree in Warburton.

“While we appreciate the significance of this tree for the local community, we also take the safety of our community seriously, and it is disappointing that our efforts to remove the tree to avoid a potential tragedy have been stalled,” the council said.

“While we have looked at several options to retain the tree, the safety risks of it remaining are too high. The tree’s proximity to a main road, walking path and bus stop commonly used by schoolchildren poses an unacceptable risk to residents and visitors.”

Leader News reported on Wednesday the towering gum tree is at risk of falling and will be chopped down this week, despite some devastated locals calling for it to be saved.

The huge gum in the Warburton Recreation Reserve carpark, believed to be 300 years old, was expected to be removed by Friday “as it has decayed significantly and poses a risk of failing,” creating an unacceptable risk to visitors.

About 50 local residents and school kids gathered on Monday to honour the beloved tree, with messages of love strung around it.

Organiser Maya Ward is calling on the council to consider other options before cutting the “beautiful” mountain grey gum tree down.

“It is the most prominent and iconic tree in Warburton because it is so huge, it’s definitely pre-settlement and is probably around 300 years old,” she said.

“Nobody has known Warburton without this tree, it is a real landmark.”

She said mountain grey gums were known for their ability to create lots of hollows for habitat, and three wedge-tailed eagles had flown over the tree during the gathering.

“It is a stunning tree home to many creatures,” she said.

“Kids also shelter under the tree – it’s the only tree in the carpark when they get off the school bus and wait for their parents.”

The Warburton gum tree is set to be chopped down. Picture: Maya Ward

A "Leave Our Tree" sign in the gum. Picture: Ryan Tews

She acknowledged that the council had reports indicating that something had to be done to the tree, but called on them to have a conversation with the community on what that might be, given how loved the tree was.

Ms Ward said ultimately she wanted the tree to be saved.

“I would like that but I’m no expert and I appreciate that no one wants the tree to come down on a family,” she said.

“But could it be trimmed or turned into a park and people given due notice of potential danger?

“It would be nice to explore the options properly.

“It’s not about not caring for people – it’s about caring for people by honouring the tree and finding the best solution that is safe.

“If it is that the tree has to come down we are just grateful we had the chance to say thank you and honour and respect the tree’s life.”

The community gathered to honour the tree, labelled “an elder” of the community. Picture: Suzanne Phoenix Photography

Yarra Ranges Council’s built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said a recent report compiled on the health and structure of the tree determined that about 80 per cent of the tree – a eucalyptus, composed of two trunks – was decayed wood caused by a wood-rotting fungus.

“There has been a significant deterioration in the tree’s condition since the last report in 2016, with little structural wood remaining in the tree.

“Currently, two cables tied in the tree’s upper canopy are providing the main structural support for the tree.

Weaving around the tree completed by Wurundjeri woman Brooke Wandin. Picture: Ryan Tews

“Though the foliage (leaves) of the tree is in good condition, it is the condition of the trunk that has extensive decay and a split.

“Our arborists considered other methods to reduce the risk, but due to the trunk decay and the potential risk, the tree has been recommended for removal.

“We understand that the tree has been at the Recreation Reserve carpark for a significant period of time, but it now poses an unacceptable risk to visitors.”

The council said in recognition of the tree’s significance within the Warburton community, steps will be taken to protect the wood that comes from the tree as much as possible during removal, with the hope this wood can be made available to the community for use in art, furniture and other creative projects. Replanting in the area will also be undertaken.