New trees to replace around 20 cut down at The Southport School

Residents have expressed dismay after multiple trees were chopped down on the grounds of an exclusive Gold Coast school. Here’s why they were removed.

A large quantity of gum trees have been chopped down at TSS. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

NEW saplings will be planted to replace trees cut down at an exclusive Gold Coast school.

Local residents were dismayed when contractors moved in to fell about 20 trees on the grounds of The Southport School this week, with the destruction clearly visible to passing motorists on Ferry Rd.

A large quantity of gum trees have been chopped down at TSS. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A large quantity of gum trees have been chopped down at TSS. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A spokesperson for the school told the Bulletin it very much regretted having to remove the trees, but was left with no option because they had been dead for some time and posed a safety risk to passers by.

A wildlife spotter and council officials were present for the removal of the trees, which was timed to coincide with school holidays to minimise disruption.

Any trees found to harbour wildlife were to be preserved for the time being, with their branches heavily pruned.

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as New trees to replace around 20 cut down at The Southport School