SUTHERLAND Shire Council has devised a radical plan to replace all unsuitable street trees in the shire with more appropriate species that are easier to maintain.
This follows a growing number of complaints about the ‘‘chainsaw massacre’’ of trees beneath power lines.
Under the plan, the cost of the massive exercise would need to be heavily subsidised by power network operator Ausgrid from its maintenance budget.
A cost-benefit analysis, undertaken by the council, found replacement would be cheaper than maintenance over a period of three to five years.
Energy Minister Anthony Roberts was briefed on the plan by mayor Kent Johns during an inspection of badly trimmed trees in Wolger Street, Como.
Miranda MP Eleni Petinos arranged the inspection, which was also attended by council officers and residents.
They examined a marked aerial map of 1.2km-long Wolger Street, showing which trees would be replaced and by which species.
Mr Roberts said the plan would be considered once Ms Petinos presented the council’s formal submission.
Cr Johns said a feasibility study undertaken by the council had found tree replacement with a more acceptable species would be cheaper for Ausgrid over three to five years.
"We are proposing Ausgrid contribute from its maintenance budget," he said.
"We would plant more appropriate species that would grow to similar heights and provide the same canopy, but which would be better located and easier to maintain."
Cr Johns said such a program would need to be staged.
The council would carry out a trial before embarking on what would be a major policy change.
"We are thinking 10 years ahead, instead of six months ahead," he said.
Cr Johns said the council accepted it planted incorrect species of trees "30 to 40 years ago".
"However, what we need to do now is move forward with Ausgrid and other state departments to look at how we are going to better manage this issue over the next 40 years," he said.
■ Miranda MP Eleni Petinos said excessive trimming had rendered trees unbalanced and visibly damaged.
This situation posed a safety risk while creating an eyesore, she said.
Ms Petinos said Mr Roberts had responded quickly to her request that he meet with the council and carry out an inspection.
"It is a great outcome for our community that the minister and mayor have agreed to work together to pioneer a practical solution," she said.
What do you think of the council's solution?
