I note from the development plan that there are plans to remove the large gum tree on the eastern side of the block. That tree is one of the largest in the immediate area, one of the only eucalypts of that type, provides natural green shade on George Street and frequently has a variety of bird/animal life in it. Removal of this tree (as well as the small trees and shrubs on the border of the property would further contribute to increasing heat island and "urban desert' effects, where birds and important insect life (like native bees) have stepping stones of natural habitat removed between larger habitats, forcing them into smaller pockets.
While I'm aware the buildings would provide (too much, from the height of the design)shade, and there is a proposal to replace the tree with two new plants, neither of these things will adequately replace the established tree, which has already survived development on all sides before.
It would also be a shame to lose some of the character buildings on the proposed block, all of which are low rise, and replace them with up to 11 storeys - much more obtrusive onto the residents of Bay and King Streets than the current structures, but unlike the tree, there are other similar examples of each in the immediate area. The gum tree would be a unique loss to all residents nearby, human and otherwise.
Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
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