IMPORTANT UPDATE: It was announced in May that an alternative solution for traffic in this area has been found and the trees will no longer be removed. Great news for the community.
Trees in one of Adelaide’s iconic avenues are proposed for removal to support adjacent development. Unfortunately, the value of urban trees is rarely considered in development decisions, and the loss of urban trees costs communities dearly. This was highlighted at TREENET’S 2021 Symposium.
Design solutions that retain mature trees and create spaces for new trees are always available. Designers and engineers need to fully engage and apply their creativity here to support the Government of SA’s plan to increase tree canopy cover.
If trees near kerbs obstruct traffic and sight lines, and driveways and crossings can’t be located in more visible locations, then planting replacement trees beyond sight lines (at the back of the verge perhaps) could be an option.
Urban forests sustain community health and wellbeing. They are essential, they’re not a luxury. If you live in SA then let your Member of Parliament know what you think about this issue.
Development-related tree loss isn’t restricted to South Australia, where tree protection laws are the worst in the country (detailed in this Conservation SA report). Local governments frequently receive complaints about these issues, as in Sutherland Shire in NSW, but councils are unable to resolve deficiencies in state tree protection legislation.
While councils aren’t responsible for legislation they can achieve great things by working with their local community. As an example, the rapidly developing Gold Coast City Council is working to expand the range of the endangered Ormeau Bottle Tree.
