An arborist’s report says two heritage-listed fig trees in the road pavement at Cronulla are under stress and should be cared for under a long-term remediation, regeneration and maintenance plan.
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A proposal last year by Roads and Maritime Services to remove one of the trees to facilitate new traffic lights at the intersection of Kingsway and Wilbar Avenue caused a storm of protest.
Sutherland Shire Council initially supported the proposal, but voted in December last year that, in the event of an upgrade, the design retain and incorporate the existing heritage fig within the road reserve.
The North Cronulla Precinct Committee commissioned an arborist report on this tree and the adjoining fig.
Matthew Reed, a AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) Level 5 arborist, donated his services.
Precinct committee president Kerry Coombes said the report would be given by Cr Michael Forshaw to council staff.
“The report is very comprehensive and makes a number of recommendations the council should undertake immediately to make sure these iconic trees thrive and survive in line with community expectations,” she said.
The report said “both trees’ vitality is currently under pressure (i.e. stress)”, and they were undervalued by the council and residents.
”The trees are highly visible on the main vehicular gateway to Cronulla...and are seen by thousands of visitors each year,” the report said.
“Replacement, or offsetting is not an option for such iconic trees that have taken a century of nurturing and resources to reach such grandeur.
“The trees provide a stunning visual entrance way to an area that is continually described as ‘The Jewel of Sutherland Shire’, the trees are part of a shared historical experience and should be valued more highly by both their Sutherland Shire Council caretakers and residents alike.
“Considering the noted community valuation of these iconic trees and their requirements for tree retention, Sutherland Shire Council is advised to increase vitality and employ methods to reduce tree decline via improving growing conditions.”
Recommendations included the council “allocate sufficient resources for the formulation and implementation of a long-term remediation, regeneration and maintenance plan for the heritage items”.
The report said as much of the hard surfaces in the dripline should be replaced with free draining, mulched garden-beds and an irrigation and drainage system be installed.
Stressed trees should not be fertilised, but a small amount of organic material, such as composted manures, could be added under the mulch.
The report said stormwater drainage infrastructure should be replaced with passive, newer absorption pit technology.
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