No stay of execution for tree

Unfortunately, the independent arborist's assessment of the old gum tree at 101 Grey St conferred with Council's: major damage to the trunk, with a fungus that cannot be removed, and there is no 'practical' treatment. So, the tree is considered a significant risk and will be removed next week.

This is obviously not the outcome we hoped for! It'll be very sad to see the old tree go (by the way, it is (was) a Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus saligna) but one small positive is that the situation has galvanised a degree of local interest and emotion and made the Council aware there are residents who care for this local environment.

Council has said there is $200,000 in this year's budget for tree upgrades in 8 streets, including Grey St... But that's an average of only $25,000 per street, so we're a bit worried as to how that will be enough to tackle Grey St's problems. In particular, how will new trees be protected from the drunks that parade between Fitzroy St and the Barkly Hotel most nights, a problem exists as a direct result of the previous Council's lack of oversight of the area?

Of note, we were told by the developer of the new apartment building/convenience store at 129-131 Grey St (nr Barkly St corner) that he paid Council "a huge amount of money" to remove two trees at the front of his property to improve construction access. These healthy, mature trees are yet to be replaced. Where has that money gone? Will it be spent on tree replacement in Grey St?

To (hopefully) try to solve some of this, anyone interested can get involved in the consultation for the Grey Streetscape Upgrade. Send an email to OSpace@portphillip.vic.gov.au with your contact details and "Grey Street Streetscape Upgrade" in the subject heading.

Finally, thanks to everyone for the kind words, offers of assistance and helping out with this first bit of the campaign to keep Grey St green! Feel free to contact us and keep an eye on this blog for any future developments.