By Tyler Wright
Petitioners are calling on Yarra Ranges Council to protect the streetscape of Kallista after historic oak trees were reportedly cut down.
Several oak trees on Monbulk Road, which are included on the council’s heritage database, have been removed since 2021 with the council citing reports of structural faults and subsequent risk to people or property as its reasoning.
One oak tree remains at the town’s roundabout.
Local Karen Kestigian said the trees – planted in 1933 to commemorate those fallen in World War One – are important to the town’s streetscape.
“People feel very strongly about [these oak trees],” Ms Kestigian said.
A petition has been started on change.org to have new oak trees planted in the place of three that have been removed; one outside 75 Monbulk Road between the car park and village shops which split in a storm about two years ago, one at the school crossing and another five metres down from that towards the tearooms.
“With the empty service station lot, Kallista looks down at the heel; people are feeling that about the streetscape,” Ms Kestigian said.
“It’s what we stand for.”
A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said several oak trees along Monbulk Road have been removed since 2021 “due to our arborists identifying structural faults within them that posed a high risk to people or property”.
“This is in line with Council’s Tree Management Policy,” the spokesperson said.
“A plan is currently being developed to manage the health and structure of the remaining trees along Monbulk Road that complements the existing character and heritage of the Kallista township.
“Replacement trees are currently scheduled to be planted in winter 2024, with additional information about ongoing tree management to be provided to the community early next year.”
