Proposed plan to remove 22 gum trees at Whites Rd approved by Warrnambool City Council

Warrnambool councillors have approved a plan to fell dozens of gum trees, despite wildlife advocates raising serious concerns. Find out why.

A proposed plan to remove 22 gum trees has been approved by Warrnambool City Council despite concerns about the impact on wildlife.

The gumtrees, located near 150 Whites Rd, were planned for removal in June last year but the process was delayed when it was discovered that koalas were living in the trees.

The plan was discussed at council’s meeting on Monday night, where two options were put on the table: the first to remove all trees at once, and the second to remove the trees gradually over a longer period.

Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott “defeated” the motion for the second option and approved the first.

It comes after council documents put to councillors before the meeting revealed the removal of the trees may affect koalas currently living in them, as well as the overall koala population in the area.

Council worked with an arboricultural consultant to develop a report analysing health, sustainability, and future management concerns of the trees, which was submitted to council in December last year.

The report stated the reason for the removal, which would come at less than $10,000, is the risk of them overgrowing and becoming “unmanageable”.

The proposed site near 150 Whites Rd Warrnambool where 22 gum trees will be removed following Warrnambool City Council approval. Picture: Jack Colantuono

In light of recent plantings and the relatively low value of the trees, the plan recommended their removal should be be completed any conflict with infrastructure becomes “costly” and the trunks grow to a width which would affect nearby fencing.

It also warned that roots could cause existing infrastructure “to crack or shift”, creating “irreparable damage”.

The report said the risk to wildlife could be mitigated so wildlife is not “indiscriminately affected” by the works.

According to an Australian Koala Foundation spokesman, there were between 200 and 500 koalas across the Warrnambool area, prompting concern for their welfare.

 

A Wildlife Victoria spokesperson said habitat loss was one of the “greatest factors” affecting wild animals across the state.

“Displacement commonly leads to injury and death with wildlife pushed closer to roads and populated areas without sufficient food sources or safe spaces for habitation,” he said.

“Wildlife Victoria is experiencing an overall 15% year-on-year increase in calls to our Emergency Response Service.

“In the past four years in the Moyne Shire alone, the average year-on-year increase in calls is over 40 per cent. Koalas are the most reported species in the region representing 33 per cent of all calls made with the most common cause for injury or death being koalas hit by vehicles."

The spokesman acknowledged native wildlife relied on its natural habitat to survive and urged “careful consideration” of the impact of established tree removal on wildlife welfare.

“Our koalas are one of our national treasures, their rights deserve to be prioritised, and they deserve to be allowed an opportunity to live and prosper in peace," he said.

The works are expected to be undertaken at the end of the financial year.