Up to 42 Australind trees in line to get chop amid safety concerns

Up to 42 Australind trees could face the axe, after a tree collapse in June raised safety concerns for local residents.

On June 6, two spotted gum trees on Holbrook road were uprooted during a storm, falling on two local houses.

In response to the destruction, the Shire of Harvey employed an arborist to investigate the stability of the other trees along the road.

The arborist’s report was presented to council in August, proposing 25 of the trees should be removed from the street, with 15 replanted to more suitable species.

The remaining 17 would be reassessed in 12 months where their fate would again be up to a council vote.

The report said trees generally found a way to adapt to smaller spaces, however with damaged roots the integrity of a tree was compromised.

“Future asset damage will be constant in this area with the species of tree expected to grow up to 45 to 60m in height, partnered with a consistent habit of self-shedding,” the arborist said.

Their report said while spotted gum trees make superb landscape trees, they are not recommended to be planted around houses, with future consideration to be given about the potential of another uprooting event.

Shire of Harvey officers put forward a plan under which all 42 trees would be removed, following consultation with residents.

The removal of 25 trees and replanting more appropriate species, as per the arborist’s report, is expected to cost about $50,000.

The shire said removing all trees with no additional planting would likely be a similar cost.

This additional cost would be added to the shire’s overall 2024-25 tree budget of $425,000 and the over-expenditure would be considered in the shire’s mid-year review.

The councillors voted unanimously to support the chop of the initial 25 trees, and will vote on the fate of the remaining trees after community consultation.