Happy ending after removal of rogue tree

Three arborists from the Council came to assess the condition of the tree. They were polite and forthcoming with answers to questions I asked and explained to me the very real responsibility they have in making their assessment of what might indeed prove to be a rogue tree. They are often between "a rock and a hard place" in making their recommendation, and homeowners can sometimes be justified in being upset at the decision made.

The tree has regrettably been removed, but our house and ourselves will no longer be subject to the constant disquiet caused by its looming presence.

I have read and heard of incidents of nasty, and sometimes fatal tree falling accidents, when requests have been made for attention/removal that weren't allowed, and a bad outcome has been the result. This was a positive outcome and one I wanted to convey to Leader readers.

In conclusion, I have to say I love the LEADER - it's an essential and helpful publication, and long may it survive and thrive.

D.S, Gymea Bay

Last Monday evening a very large limb from our neighbours' gum tree fell onto the roof of our house inflicting considerable damage. We were sleeping in the bedroom where the damage occurred. There is now a large hole in the bedroom ceiling. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained. I suppose that this time we were lucky.

This is a situation that could have been avoided. Our neighbour approached Sutherland Council five years ago seeking approval to remove the tree. Permission was refused. It would seem that Sutherland Council has more interest in preserving out of control gum trees than it has in preserving human lives.

Surely it is time that the Local Government Act was amended to give people some say in what, if any, trees are planted on their properties. Blind Freddy could see that this particular tree was highly dangerous. Blind Freddy, unfortunately, does not work for Sutherland Council. The SES people who attended the disaster advised me that due to the nature of the incident approval to remove the tree should be automatic. The horse, of course, has already bolted. It seems that there has to be a disaster occur before Sutherland Council shows any level of interest. Why should people have to accept this totally intolerable situation?

Robert J Semple, Gymea Bay

Whatever my ambitions are for the future right now, my goal is to serve on the council and to make sure I do the right thing by ratepayers.

I disagree the Shire has always been a safe seat. The Liberal Party has had to work hard to gain the support of the electorate. We are in power, local, state and federally because we are doing something right.

To say the Shire doesn't get anything surprises me because all you have to do is look at all the infrastructure getting built in the Shire. Our shared pathway has won awards and that was jointly funded by state and local government for example. We've got boat ramps, upgraded parks, a sea wall all with state, federal and local government contributions.

I reject the assertions in Mr Andrew's letter.

Carmelo Pesce, Sutherland Shire mayor

I am writing to point out the impossible eligibility requirement for the Morrison Liberal Party Government's Home Builder Grant.

To be eligible, the applicant must commence construction within three months of signing the building contract. This is quite impossible as the normal time frame is way longer than that!

After signing the contract, your development proposal alone can take anywhere between 4-5 months with the council, which immediately disqualifies the applicant from the Home Builder Grant.

I'm wondering if the Federal Government intention was just not to give anyone the grant?

I thought they wanted to stimulate the building industry?

There's undoubtedly going to be a lot of applicants miss out because of this ridiculous time limit!

Karen Mazzarella, Sutherland

craig.thomson@austcommunitymedia.com.au