Iconic trees cut down on St Kilda Rd

WORKERS continued chopping down iconic mature trees along St Kilda Rd today, angering local residents who say the government had another option.

THIRTEEN trees have been removed along St Kilda Rd as preparations continue for the Metro Tunnel Project.

Seven trees were removed on Wednesday with another six trees due to be removed today, as part of construction of a new Domain Station and tram connection.

In total, about 165 trees face the chop from the iconic tree-lined boulevard as part of the $11 billion project.

THREE CONSTRUCTION CONSORTIA BID TO BUILD PROJECT MELBOURNE METRO TUNNEL

MELBOURNE METRO RAIL TUNNEL: DEBATE OVER NEW STATION NAMES

MONSTER TUNNEL BORING MACHINES COULD BE ABANDONED UNDERGROUND

Locals concerned over the St Kilda Road trees going say a deeper tunnel could have avoided the huge tree losses.

Helen Kent, who lives in Albert Rd, South Melbourne, accused the state government of “lacking in foresight.”

Trees getting the chop in St Kilda Rd. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Construction of the Metro Tunnel Project will see the closure of Domain Rd for five years from July. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Locals concerned over the St Kilda Road trees going say a deeper tunnel could have avoided the huge tree losses. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“There is no respect for our history and for some reason the government is ploughing on ahead with this cut and cover approach despite agreeing to perform deeper tunnels elsewhere,” she said.

“There is no thought given to any of the residents’ objections and they just talk at us, there is no consultative approach at all.

“It’s absolutely excruciating for everyone to watch”.

Marilyn Wane, from Save St Kilda Road, accused the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority of “taking the quick and cheap option”.

She said the group was not against the building of a station at Domain, just the devastating method of construction.

The golden elm trees on St Kilda Rd at the Domain Interchange are getting cut down. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/4suXoV7sL4

— Kara Irving (@Kara_Irving) June 7, 2017

“The tree removals, traffic diversion and huge disruption is unnecessary as they could build the station underground without such massive damage on the surface,” she said.

“The open cut construction will bring years of pain and disruption to all Melburnians who will be forced to navigate around the 850 metre long construction site with major access roads such as Park St, South Melbourne and Domain Rd, South Yarra closed for up to five years.

“The traffic diversions will increase commuter time, slow trams and buses and cause massive bottlenecks in the surrounding suburbs.

“The damage caused to our heritage listed boulevard will be permanent which is an unacceptable outcome.

165 trees face the chop from the iconic tree-lined boulevard as part of the $11 billion project. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Elsewhere in the world they manage to build underground stations without destroying heritage listed assets.”

David Davis, Opposition Minister for Planning, labelled the destruction of Australia’s greatest boulevard as a travesty.

“Great cities around the world have been able to build needed major infrastructure without trashing their heritage like Labor appears set to do,” Mr Davis said.

“The government is arrogantly running over a great history and local people.”

Melbourne Metro says this week’s works are to prepare for new tram infrastructure on Toorak Road West that will ensure a direct tram connection is maintained between South Yarra and the CBD once Domain Rd closes for five years in July.

They will also enable underground water and drainage services to be relocated ahead of Domain Station’s construction, expected to start next year.

Melbourne Metro says every effort has been made to minimise tree removals in the Domain precinct and only trees affected by the current works will be removed at this time.

It said four of the fallen trees were juveniles, four were mature and five were in decline.

When completed, the Metro Tunnel will create twin nine kilometre tunnels running under the heart of the city.

@AndyJeffo