Re the article ‘‘Chainsaw avenue” (Leader, June 6).
I am aghast that Sutherland Shire Council justifies the removal of the trees for public safety.
I know many private properties, adjoining council parks, that have trees over 12 metres high, a mere 5 metres from houses.
High winds and large overhanging branches pose a risk to property and residents.
Yet the council ignores safety when considering the lopping or removal of these trees.
If public safety was a real concern of the council I am sure rate payers could advise the council on numerous more pressing problems that need council’s attention.
Marc de Cazanove
If the council knew more than 10 years ago that these trees were going to be a problem, surely they had enough time to commit to putting the power lines underground instead of butchering and cutting down so many beautiful trees.
The cost of constantly “trimming” the trees into ugly eyesores could have contributed to the cost of underground cables.
The Western Australian government, together with Western Power and local councils, embarked on an undergrounding program in 1996, sharing the cost.
To date more than 60 per cent of Perth’s power supply system has been placed underground. Undergrounding provides enhanced streetscapes without the need to butcher trees; a more reliable power supply; brighter and safer street lighting; and enhanced property values.
What a shame all NSW politicians, both local and Sstate don’t have the vision to bring such a program to the shire.
Elaine Bleazard, Bonnet Bay
Regarding the wholesale removal of mature trees from our streets.
The council web site informs us: “One of the things that residents love best about Sutherland Shire is its leafy streetscape,” said Sutherland Shire Mayor, Cr Carmelo Pesce.
What a sick joke. This gob smacking statement is compounded by that from Ausgrid chief operating officer Trevor Armstrong: “This is a win-win for the local community. We know how much residents value their street trees but we also know they expect us to maintain a safe and reliable power supply’’.
The desecration of our streets was carried out with blitzkrieg efficiency, presumably to forestall any protest from residents.
We can only presume that this is a price we had to pay for the state government privatising the grid.
The new owners of this once public resource will now be relieved of the expense of trimming these trees.
The council and Ausgrid stand condemned by this atrocity and by their mealy-mouthed statements.
The deed is done and all I can say to the council is shame on you.
Clive Dye, Sutherland
Recently I received a visit from a dedicated Sutherland Shire employee who responded to my written request to prune a very large gum tree in front of my house on council land.
The employee advised me of the value of trees to provide shade and cooling for the residents and the environment, the value of the tree as an asset and the false statements of falling branches injuring residents (very rare).
I now have sympathy for this employee after observing the carnage of chopped trees in Waratah Street, Sutherland.
This employee must feel shattered.
Russell Stevens, Jannali
