CDU cuts down beloved, historic 100-year-old tree in dead of the night

The axing of a 100-year-old milkwood tree has been called a “mongrel, dog act” by a Larrakia elder.

Independent MLA Gerry Wood stands in front of the milkwood tree that was cut down at the CDU development site in the Darwin CBD. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

THE axing of a 100-year-old milkwood tree has been called a “mongrel, dog act” by a Larrakia elder.

Eric Fejo, who made the application to heritage list the tree on Charles Darwin University’s CBD campus site, was heartbroken to see the chopped down on Sunday morning.

He made the application in October and was made aware a meeting of the NT Heritage Council took place on December 6, but did not know if the milkwood was discussed.

“It’s called common decency and something so important at this, they haven’t even bothered to get in contact,” he said.

“Why the hell do we even bother? … Due process was not followed and they’re going to get cursed because of that.

“It’s a mongrel, dog act these arseholes have done.”

By 8am on Sunday the entire tree had been removed.

CONCERNS for historic tree

It was set to be cut down on Saturday but was delayed by protests from citizens.

The second milkwood along the site’s perimeter had already been chopped.

The tree in happier times. Protesters who were trying to stop the tree getting cut down on Saturday. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Independent Member for Nelson Gerry Wood, who estimated the tree to be more than 100 years old, first raised concerns for the tree in September after CDU addressed the future of the neighbouring boab tree but not the milkwood.

Mr Wood was one of the protesters who stopped the felling on Saturday, and was disappointed by chop.

“It’s very disappointing that the council and CDU couldn’t find ways of developing a plan to preserve that tree and keep some of the botanical history of Darwin,” he said.

Protester Catherine McAlpine was frustrated by the lack of public consultation.

“Milkwood trees will be protected”

“No one in either the government or council is listening to fact if you don’t develop a city people want to live in and feel can be heard, then they simply won’t have people here,” she said.

The milkwood tree on Sunday morning. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

A CDU spokeswoman said advice from engineers and architects was to remove the tree.

“Following consultation with Larrakia Nation, it has been agreed unanimously with CDU, City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government to remove two milkwood trees to enable the transformation of the carpark into a world class education and civic precinct,” she said.