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4 Comments

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1. How many trees will be removed for this project? This is a lovely large and tree filled block. Substantial tree removals will impact the amenity of the street. I am concerned about the loss of character in the area due to the increased builds, and even more concerned about the loss of mature trees.

   I am concerned by loss of trees in my area, and the Georges River Council area. Trees and vegetation provide multiple ecosystem services which are often underestimated; oxygen production, carbon storage, moisture retention in soils, healthy biome, habitat, and shade (which is several degrees cooler than the surrounding area). The more we increase the built brick/concrete/tarmac environment the more we retain heat. The less canopy from trees that we have - the less buffer from heat we have and we produce the heat island effect. The temperatures experienced during the last summers, particularly the temperature records being broken in Penrith and Western Sydney, are likely to occur repeatedly and more frequently in the future. It is irresponsible to not do our utmost to protect our trees as they are lifesavers (increasingly so in a future of more extreme conditions and lengthier summers). I know that where once there was a tree-lined walk to the station, and now there is a bare verge, that the heat beating down on a pedestrian (an older person who doesn't drive/ or a child coming back from school) can be dangerous if there is no respite from the sunlight. We need shade giving trees (and seats placed on key walking routes for older people to rest - eg on their way to the station or shops). Council's need to treat this as a priority as climate change is making this an essential and heatstroke is very real and dangerous. My walk to the station or the shops now feels risky in the heat of summer because there are so few trees to provide shade (where once there were several - now chopped down). The best time to plant a tree is twenty or more years ago! We can't afford to lose time by cutting down trees which are already providing significant services in our environment. If anything we need to double down on efforts to plant the streets and gardens, and make carbon storage in trees/ and their ecosystem services a priority - it will lead to better well being for all. How will the Georges River Council meet the 40% tree canopy plan if so many mature and older trees are being removed. Please keep what we have (emphasising natives) until we can grow the rest to meet those aims...

2. Sophia has a point with the concern. There are fewer and fewer suburbs with such amazing trees as Oatley. I’d say there are probably more duplexes built by developers who already have enough money to survive than there are trees in Sydney. Would love to see a duplex that actually uses existing plants to determine the size and shape of the homes.

3. Noah would like the trees to determine the size and shape of homes and maybe architects would like that also but Council requirements determine the final outcome.
   That idea could result in houses as high as trees, overshadowing, no setbacks etc, building duplexes gives people a chance for a lower purchase price into Oatley.

   Sophia says there was once a tree lined walk to the station, yes that was rough dirt and slush from rain but now paved for all to use safely.

   If we keep looking back we will never go forward.

4. Hi, I understand the need for affordable housing Ross, but sadly many of these duplexes and apartments are not affordable for the majority. I agree that the government needs to implement strategies for social housing, and affordable housing, and put some controls into the housing market so that it does not take a lifetime or more for a working couple to pay off.

   "The Game of Mates," by Dr Murray and Professor Frijters is an excellent book that looks at growing inequalities in Australian society - including in the property market.
   "Game of Mates tells a tale of economic theft across major sectors of Australia's economy, showing how James and his group of well-connected Mates siphon off billions from the economy to line their own pockets. In property, mining, transport, banking, superannuation, and many more sectors, James and his Mates cooperate to steal huge chunks of the economic pie for themselves. If you want to know how much this costs the nation, how it is done, and what we can do about it, Game of Mates is the book for you." https://gameofmates.com/about/

   I think many of us have been tricked into thinking that we have to live this way, and it puts a huge pressure on all those who are near the median salary/family income and below. Information, such as in this book, can help us note the inequalities and see how systems can be regulated differently to make housing more affordable and our society more fair.

   Trees can often be conserved, and in many other countries work is done to retain mature trees, and to design and build around them.

   Trees and plants soak up rain and reduce run off. There is an excellent program called "Kiss the Ground" currently showing on Netflix which explains some key concepts in soil science and how vital it is that water enters the ground with the aid of plants, and leaves the ground via transevaporation.

   I see that our comments come from a concern for our community and well-being. Perhaps we can consider how we can manage housing to make it truly more affordable (and less about lining developer pockets), and also how to design buildings and have plantings that provide habitat for our wildlife, shade, and beauty, and help us cope with a warming climate and the heatwaves of Summer.

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