Heritage tree to get the chop
We’ve today been advised that Metro Trains Melbourne is planning to remove a heritage-listed tree as well as a number of other trees at Newmarket Station in Flemington this weekend.
The heritage-listed tree is a River Red Gum that is well over 100 years old. Not only is this tree listed within our Significant Tree Register, it is also protected under a Heritage Overlay and an Environmental Significance Overlay, which is the strongest protection afforded under the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme.
Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Samantha Byrne said: “Council has publicly opposed the removal of the trees since we were first advised by Metro Trains in late 2018. The trees are all in good health and condition and can be seen from far and wide. Their removal would have a huge impact on the landscape around Newmarket Station.”
An independent arborist report sourced by Council early last year showed the heritage-listed tree was in no way impacting the platform or rail line, as Metro had initially stated. Metro is now claiming that the trees are impacting the retaining wall.
“The safety of the public is our top priority however we believe further work needs to be done to both retain the tree and maintain safety. We believe these options have yet to be explored,” Cr Byrne said.
“Essentially all trees pose a risk, but we need to ensure we balance the benefits of the trees with maintaining public safety.
“At this stage we’re just asking that the removal of the trees be deferred until all options have been explored. Metro first made us aware of this 18 months ago and so we are unclear about what the urgency is now to remove the trees in the next few days.”
Council has been asking for alternative options that don’t involve removing the trees for many months but have yet to receive a response.
“If there is a risk to public safety or to the infrastructure then Metro must release this report to the public,” Cr Byrne said.
It is still unclear just how many trees will be removed, however our understanding is that all the trees along both sides of the station are earmarked to go.
Council remains committed to retaining and increasing our tree canopy coverage across the municipality in line with MV2040.
Please be assured we are doing everything we can to protect this tree. If you would like to help save the tree, please contact your local state MP or heritage association.