Update on our fight to save heritage-listed tree

Update – Friday, 28 February

We want to let the community know we’re continuing to work with Metro Trains in a bid to retain the heritage-listed river red gum and other trees at Newmarket Station.

Council representatives met with Metro Trains yesterday.

We’ve been assured the community will be advised before any tree removal takes place.

Please bear with us, we’re working on it and will continue to update our website with any news.

Update – Friday, 21 February

We know it’s been a while since we last updated you on the trees earmarked for removal at Newmarket Station. Rest assured we are doing everything in our power to save the trees.

We are currently aiming to meet with Metro next week to seek their definitive commitment to retain the river red gum tree. We will also request an update on their most recent assessment of all the trees at the station and their impact on the station infrastructure.

We will be requesting some understanding of how the local community will be informed in advance of any tree removal, as per the commitment provided by the Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne.

We will also seek advice on when the community will be able to access the public open space and playground that is currently blocked off beside the station.

Council has advised Metro that the proposed removal of any tree at Newmarket Station requires approval under the provisions of the Planning and Environment Act, 1987.

Update – Friday, 14 February 2020

Moonee Valley City Council and Metro Trains are continuing to work together to try and find a way forward in relation to the trees at the Newmarket Railway Station.

Metro Trains have agreed to conduct further arborist investigation of the trees especially the tree roots. This will involve exploratory digging around the roots of the trees to enable an inspection of the root structure. People should not be alarmed at this activity.

In the meantime, Metro has agreed not to remove any trees (including the River Red Gum) to allow this process to occur.