By MARC MCGOWAN
Call goes out for more fellers to help with tree problem…
A HEART-WARMING community response is set to save a Sassafras man from re-mortgaging his home after Yarra Ranges Council demanded he remove three pine trees from his property.
Gordon Arney, who has owned the property for more than 40 years, suffered a stroke four years ago that left him with dysphasia, which severely affects speech and comprehension.
Mr Arney, 72, requires around-the-clock care from his partner and power of attorney Ross Skiffington.
They used to travel internationally with the Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company before Mr Arney’s stroke.
“A man who built a warehouse (to serve as a rehearsal studio at the front of their property) can’t make a cup of tea now and it all happened overnight,” Mr Skiffington said.
Mr Skiffington, who turns 66 next month, and Mr Arney earn a combined $800 per week on a carer’s allowance and disability pension.
Council officers wrote to Mr Arney on 5 June stating the three Monterey pine trees on the fence line inside his property were in breach of local law and must be removed within 28 days.
Mr Skiffington successfully lobbied the council for an extension to 12 September but it was rescinded “owing to the significant risk” the trees presented to the public and surroundings.
He contacted three businesses to find out what costs would be involved and quotes ranged from $7150 to north of $15,000.
Mr Skiffington said those sort of expenses would put them into debt and would be better put to use constructing an indoor bathroom for Mr Arney to use instead of an outhouse.
“It’s hard enough as it is – we just don’t have that money. I know it sounds like we should, but we don’t,” Mr Skiffington said.
“I’ve done shows for free over the years for the actors’ benevolent fund and they’ve been extremely generous in helping us out, especially at the beginning.”
Mr Arney’s plight resonated with Emerald business owner Matt Slockwitch, who runs Cut and Catch Tree Service.
Mr Slockwitch and two of his employees have offered to volunteer a day of their time and have recruited others to help.
BOOM Sherrin Hire, McDougall Brothers Tree Lopping Service, Downright Tree Solutions, Cheaper Bin Hire and Crane Truck Hire Emerald have donated their time or equipment.
The extraordinary response will save Mr Arney and Mr Skiffington thousands of dollars.
“I do not believe the council is putting this person’s interests at heart,” Mr Slockwitch said.
“The Shire of Yarra Ranges needs to assess individual cases and be more proactive and considerate of people.”
Mr Slockwitch said the work would take up to three days to complete and called on other residents to help cover the costs.
He said they would first need a permit from SP Ausnet, which could cost $5000.
The council’s director of environment and engineering Mark Varmalis said the tree posed a risk to the nearby community centre as well as to Mt Dandenong Tourist Road.
“We have spoken to the property owner several times and explained the urgent need for the tree to be removed,” Mr Varmalis said.
“Tree health on private property is the responsibility of residents and we encourage residents to have their trees inspected by qualified arborists on a regular basis.”
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