WATTLE Range Council is seeking community input into a proposal to remove a row of cypress trees in Penola to assist with the development of amenities associated with the Penola/Coonawarra Rail Trail which is under construction.
The trees proposed for removal are in parkland located north of Robe Road along Clarke Street.
The rail trail follows a disused railway line through this parkland.
Council’s plans for the parkland include a new unsealed carpark, picnic facilities, bike racks, toilets, lighting and interpretative signs.
At council’s monthly meeting last week, elected members heard that the cypress trees were planted many years ago by State government agencies which were allowing the trees to be removed at council’s cost.
Council staff reported that there was “a significant amount of evidence that the trees are approaching end of life”.
“These trees are posing potential safety risks to road users besides causing issues to the council in maintaining the road and the drainage especially after inclement weather,” said the report from council’s project manager, Muni Krishna.
Mr Krishna recommended that the trees be removed to ensure public safety, improve visibility of the parkland, and increase the longevity of the impending new assets proposed for the parkland.
He reported that council staff had already undertaken targeted community consultation with letters hand dropped to 50 residents along Clarke Street.
Officers received responses from two residents and both supported the proposal to remove the trees.
Mr Krishna also reported that the letters dropped to residents stated that no feedback would be taken as the resident being in favour of the trees being removed, therefore it could be perceived that all residents who received a letter were in support of removing the cypress trees.
However, Mr Krishna said the broader Penola community had not been given the opportunity to comment and in light of that council may wish to consult further.
As a result, Council is inviting the public to comment on the proposed removal of the row of cypress trees.
Written submissions stating the full name, address and contact details of the person responding, and marked ‘Penola Parkland Tree Removal’, can be posted to council, hand delivered to any of council’s offices, or emailed to council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au by February 21.
