Thursday, October 07, 2004

Who gives a fig about heritage?

More chainsaw massacres.

An amazing old fig tree in McDonald Lane, Potts Point, was completely pulped yesterday morning in a dawn raid 'chain-saw massacre' says the Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Society.

This was despite last minute attempts by Cr Phillip Black and strenuous efforts by Cr Chris Harris to make enquiries on how to save it. No evidence of this tree now exists.

The Heritage Society is now asking that all such further applications for removing trees over 5m be subject to normal DA procedures, with full resident notification and the DA going to council as a matter of course.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Clover Moore announced that only tthree small signs in the Cross were heritage and the rest could be taken down. This was only after a distinguished Australian heritage expert reported to the Council. Details were revealed at a mamouth Council meeting tonight.

Anonymous said...

Here's a copy of the e-mail I sent to Council today 22/10/04.

Dear Clover and Councillors,

Further to my e-mail of 6/10/04 re the destruction of the giant fig tree in Macdonald Lne, Potts Point:
I read with interest your 'city forest' approach to the greening of Sydney in Monday's newspapers. It is very commendable and necessary. Congratulations on your initiative.
It was, however, a great pity that more effort was not made to save the magnificent Port Jackson fig tree which was chainsawed on Wednesday 6th October in Macdonald Lane (behind Challis Ave) Potts Point.
The owner of the property Rucksack Rest was allowed to have this wonderful tree removed because the roots were damaging his sewer pipes. What rubbish - pipes can be replaced with plastic pipes. This tree was irreplaceable.
I have spoken to the City Council arborist, Matthew Waring, and he assures me that the tree was destroyed on condition that a replacement tree is planted.
Now, here is my point. I have spoken to the owner of Rucksack Rest (and voiced my disapproval of his action). He said he will have the stump removed in a year (as it has to die properly) and then build a car garage where the tree was. (He did not mention a replacement tree.) DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN !! The property in question is on a blind corner and is unsafe and unsuitable for car access. A REPLACEMENT TREE MUST BE PLANTED.
SOLUTION: I would like Council to remove the stump and plant an established tree with pipe-friendly roots as soon as possible. This could be part of your 'greening initiative.' It would give the many apartment dwellers, who like me have had their wonderful tree destroyed and now look at other apartment windows, a peaceful and attractive outlook once again. The countless species of bird who have lost their haven would sing with joy once more. And this part of Potts Point would once again have contented and happy citizens.
I would appreciate a reply.

Thanks and regards,