I might be missing something, but I cannot see any documentation giving a valid reason for the removal of this beautiful species of tree. Given that this is one lonely strip in a concrete jungle of Chatswood that still has some old native gum trees, I would like to know why the need to remove this tree.
I, and the other local residents who are eager to keep our green spaces green, continue to repeat ourselves in stating the same old facts of
1. Native trees continue to be brought under the hammer by property developers and home owners who do not understand the Australian landscape. Council seem to do little, other than spout words and not actions, to protecting them. This is why so many of us here via Planning Alerts feel the need to have our say (which often means repeating the same things over and over again).
2. Native trees are often removed so people can plant non-natives, which do not do anything to provide for the birds, bats and all manner of creatures who need them for survival. I actually look forward to the day when our councils will start to really protect the trees and initiate legislation/laws to force people to plant natives in their gardens.
3. Trees provide much needed shade. Just take a wall around much of Chatswood during the summer to see how very hot it gets without the shade covering of established trees.
4. In my own backyard, I am surprised to see so many new varities of birds who never used to frequent my space. I am now wondering if this is happening because so many old growth trees are being removed and they are forced to move to locations that still have trees. This will eventually cause a whole host of problems with the larger birds fighting over territory.
If the tree is diseased, then at least trim it back so it can still become much needed habitat. Dead and dying trees are extremely valuable in our communities.
