New generation of trees to be planted

Seven mature trees in Guy Street, Warwick, have been declared a hazard to the public and must now be removed.
Southern Downs Regional Mayor Ron Bellingham said he was sad that the London Plane Trees (Platanus species) must go, but public safety had to come first.
“These trees have been in place for many years and have provided this location with a beautiful streetscape and magnificent colour. I am as disappointed as anyone that some of them must go,” Cr Bellingham said.
“However, it is important that the council checks the health of older trees in the region to ensure they are in good health and not a danger to the public,” he said.
“Unfortunately, a recent health check by an independent tree expert found that seven trees between Grafton and Fitzroy streets were in such ill health that they were in danger of falling, or dropping large limbs.
“The arborist found they are beyond any treatment and need to be removed.
“Five other trees will stay for now and require ongoing monitoring.”
“This decision has not been made lightly, however, when you consider the alternative – that these trees or their branches are in real danger of falling due to their ill health, and in fact we have already had reports of near misses with branches falling – the council was left with no other alternative but to schedule removal of those trees in the worst health as public safety must take precedence.”
Parks and projects manager Michael Bell said it was the council’s intention to replace the trees and that three potential species had been short-listed as replacement trees.
“As identified through our Vision 2040, our aspiration is to provide our community with a clean and green environment for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Bell said.
“Very shortly we will be surveying the public to tell us, which of these approved Warwick street species they would prefer to see as replacement trees in Guy Street.”
To limit disruption to the public, the seven trees will be removed on a weekend in May 2012. Anyone with questions can contact (07) 4681 5543.