By Parker McKenzie
Residents of Belgrave continue to raise concern over the clearing of trees on a property with a long history of conflict on Monbulk Road, with the removal of a mature messmate tree from a nearby road reserve sparking controversy.
The Old Belgrave Motors site was a subject of a lengthy VCAT case regarding its development by Pulitano Properties when Yarra Ranges Council rejected their planning permit after community opposition.
Several Belgrave residents were alarmed when contractors began clearing the property, with some alleging the works were illegal.
While the contracted work on the site was deemed legal and exempt from permits by Yarra Ranges Council on 4 March, Belgrave Tecoma Township Group treasurer Karl Williams said the removal of a Eucalyptus oblique, more commonly known as a messmate stringybark, after further works on 7 and 8 March was beyond the exemptions offered in planning codes because it was on a road reserve.
“The priceless messmate on the road reserve which was over 200 years old and holds incredible native habitat can never be replaced,” he said.
“It was visible to the township and all those who drive through to Sherbrooke Forest.”
A 2000 CSIRO Study on the development of hollows in living Eucalyptus trees, including messmates, found only 0.5 per cent of trees form hollows before reaching the age of 180.
Yarra Ranges Council was contacted to collaborate Mr William’s statement, however, the council compliance team has not responded by deadline.
The maximum penalty for people caught illegally destroying habitat trees is $8261 and can result in potential seizure of equipment and vehicles and chainsaws and/or one year in prison.
Photos taken on 11 March show the extent of the works contractors performed at the site when compared with photos dated from 4 March, with the messmate having been removed.
Pulitano Properties was contacted for comment.
