Huon Valley community calls on Government to reconsider plans to remove poplar trees for turn lane

Huon Valley residents are angry that dozens of trees will be removed to make way for a turning lane on the highway.

Some of the 120 poplar trees that are earmarked for removel to make way for a turning lane into Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Pictures: MATT THOMPSON

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to remove 120 poplar trees along the Huon Highway has been met with anger by many in the community.

But it appears there is confusion as to whether all the removed trees will be replaced.

The poplar trees are on the road reserve which is Crown land and are due to be removed to make way for a right-hand turn lane into Willie Smith’s Apple Shed.

A letter sent in November to resident Rae Naughton, who lives opposite Willie Smith’s, indicates the Government will replant only 27 trees.

But a Government release sent out to the wider community earlier this month stated that part of the new tree-planting plan included replacement of the removed trees with advanced poplars.

Lonnavale resident Geoffrey Swan, who has been fighting to preserve the trees, says the release from the Government is misleading and it should hold a community meeting to alleviate confusion in the community.

“They are fully aware that their plans to cut down the iconic row of 120 historic poplar trees that adorn the highway will be controversial,” he said.

There is confusion around how many of the poplar trees will be replaced.

Residents are also confused as to why the State Government will spend almost $1 million on the associated roadworks when Huon Valley Council estimated the costs to be about $100,000.

“The Department of State Growth quotes total project costs including all planning, design, construction and contingency,” a State Growth spokesman said.

“The current estimated cost is considered appropriate for the extent of works required in the current construction market.

“The safety of road users is the highest priority for the department and takes precedence over the unfortunate loss of a small number of introduced trees.”

Many in the Huon Valley have called for a right-turn lane to be built to address road safety concerns.

But Mrs Naughton said while the turn-off was vital it should not come at the expense of the trees.

“Those trees are a landmark and an entrance to the Huon Valley,” she said.

“I think the Government could have gone about it in a different manner to save the poplars.”

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said the council supported the State Government’s decision to prioritise road safety over the trees.

But Cr Enders called on the Government to review the speed limit on the Huon Highway at the Grove intersection north of Willie Smith’s, which is currently 100km/h.