Silent fall casts pall

By Casey Neill
THE Belgrave community has lost an historic tree – without any consultation or warning.
Electricity provider SP AusNet last week cut down a giant mountain ash in Apex Reserve, off Terrys Avenue.
Resident Jenny Saulwick has lived in the town since 1968.
“I was absolutely horrified when I saw the tree had been cut down,” she said. “I nearly fainted. The mountain ash represents about 200 years of growth and history.”
Ms Saulwick said the park was the last remaining tree shaded area in the town and was an important piece of history.
“This land had previously belonged to the Alexander family. There are still living members of that family who played there as children,” she said. “It is quite disgusting that the tree has been removed.”
Ms Saulwick said failing to consult with residents was “not a good look” for the company.
“I understand SP AusNet does not have to consult with the residents if they feel a tree is too close to electrical wires,” she said.
“However, my understanding is that in this instance, Yarra Ranges Council has been monitoring this tree.
“Surely, the tree could have been trimmed if it was such a hazard?”
SP AusNet spokesman Joe Adamo said the local electricity distributor had a responsibility to comply with regulatory and safety requirements.
He said pruning and removing trees was sometimes required under the company’s hazardous tree inspection program, “to ensure safe and reliable power supply to customers.”
“The tree was assessed and found to have extensive decay in addition to leaning dangerously toward our electricity assets,” he said.
“We understand some residents may be concerned with the removal of trees, but it is imperative trees and vegetation do not touch power lines at any time.”
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said shire arborists had been closely monitoring the tree.
“SP AusNet would have had no idea that the tree was under shire management or what it means to the community,” she said. “You’ve got to have the conversation first to make an informed decision.”
Cr Dunn said SP AusNet’s lack of communication with the shire was disappointing.
“Sometimes, really significant trees need to be removed,” she said. “But there should be some conversation with council. I look forward to SP AusNet reviewing their practice.”