Friday, July 24, 2009

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.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Reprieve for tree at 101 Grey St!?

An email from Cr Serge Thomann (1pm, 22/7/9) assures us that the tree at 101 Grey St has had a temporary reprieve: "The tree will not be removed this week I can tell you that!"

A call from Council acknowledges the following:

  1. An independent arborist will conduct a review of the tree's health.
  2. Grey St has, apparently, been listed as one of 8 streets earmarked for upgrade in this financial year. It's not listed specifically in the budget, but Council assure us it's there!

We look forward to seeing how this develops over the next few days or weeks.

The petition is still open and will still benefit from more signatures! Thanks heaps to everyone who has signed it and left comments, we really believe they helped get us this far in the fight for Grey St.

Read our email (12.50pm, 22/7/9) to Cr Serge Thomann (CC'd Mayor Frank O'Connor and CPP CEO Kay Rundle).


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Green icon on Grey St earmarked for removal


The City of Port Phillip (via private contractor City Wide) is planning to remove one of the largest and last remaining trees in Grey St, situated outside the Sacred Heart elderly peoples' home at 101 Grey St (b/w Robe and Alfred Sts). Council claims the tree is 'diseased', yet it is covered in healthy green leaves and supports native wildlife. Planned destruction is anytime after Thursday 23 July 2009.

This is the latest of numerous mature trees removed and not replaced in the last few years along Grey St (see slideshow), in contravention of Council's stated support for greening of our environment, and CityWide's own values.

Grey St boasts some of St Kilda's finest architectural landmarks that deserve attention by urban planning and streetscaping equal to that afforded other locations. If Council neglects its care for the street, then so will visitors.

If the tree's roots are the real problem, why can't Council install the 'spongie asphalt', as used in the residential end of Acland St?

IF YOU LIVE OR WORK IN OR AROUND GREY ST, PLEASE CONSIDER THESE IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:

1. SIGN THE PETITION

2. SEND A MESSAGE TO PORT PHILLIP COUNCIL MANAGEMENT
Ms Kay Rundle (CPP Chief Executive Officer)
Phone: 03 9209 6464 (business hours)
Fax: 03 9536 2767
Email: krundle@portphillip.vic.gov.au


3. SEND A MESSAGE TO THE LOCAL COUNCILLOR (Catani Ward)
Cr Serge Thomann
Phone: 03 9209 6705 (business hours)
Mobile: 0432 299 372
Fax: 03 9536 2767
Email: sthomann@portphillip.vic.gov.au

4. SEND A MESSAGE TO CITY WIDE
Phone: 03 9261 5000
Fax: 03 9261 5005
Or use their contact form


Where is Grey St?


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