Hazardous tree removal update 12 April 2024
Published on 12 April 2024
For background information on this issue, please read Council's news story from 28 March 2024.
Pyrenees Shire Council officers have met with a group of residents who have expressed concerns about the extent of tree removal work being undertaken along roadsides after the recent bushfires.
Council CEO Jim Nolan and other officers met with the residents on Monday 8 April.
Mr Nolan said that traffic access on many of the fire-impacted roads has been restricted since the fire due to the presence of dangerous and unstable trees.
“Council engaged an experienced arborist to assess individual trees and to provide advice on the risk the trees pose to road users due to tree instability,” he said.
“Specialist tree-removing contractors also engaged by Council have been removing trees considered to be dangerous.
“Works on site were paused briefly on Monday while the residents’ concerns were considered by Council officers, and Council’s arborist was able to speak to the group about the risks and assessment process.”
Mr Nolan said that following the discussion, some aspects of the works were reviewed. Works were able to resume on Tuesday with limitations in areas where some further review is needed.
“Council acknowledges that the removal of these trees can exacerbate trauma that some residents have already experienced with the fire event, and we will look to engage more with affected landowners about planned works ongoing.
“Council has also agreed to engage additional personnel to assist in the engagement, communication and dissemination of information to ensure we’re working alongside the community and affected residents.
“We appreciate that roadsides are really important to our residents and can have significant conservation values. We will also continue to take advice from various sources to ensure the best decisions can be made when it comes to tree removal and long-term regeneration.
“The extent of tree removal will be reduced as a result of the review; however, Council is committed to ensure unacceptable risks to road users are addressed through the works.”
Mr Nolan said Council would like to thank the members of the community who have respectfully raised these concerns, and all contractors engaged by Council for their professional services and support to work through the complex issues.
If you would like more information on the works, please phone Council's Recovery Team on 1300 797 363.