THE fate of two tall eucalypts at Ventnor has been sealed with Bass Coast Shire Council voting down its decision last month to save the trees.
Presented again with an application to remove the two trees at 24 Hastings Street and after being informed that a branch from one of the trees had fallen on a fence during recent storms, Council this month voted to approve the application.
A total of 22 objections were received but due to the declining health, structure and low useful life expectancy of each tree, and an assessment that the trees were at risk of further limb failure council voted to reverse its previous decision.
It was acknowledged that 15 trees had previously been removed, and the removal of the two remaining trees would result in the clearing of all canopy trees on the site.
The property owner is now required to replant eight canopy trees selected from the Type ‘B’ and Type ‘C’ Bush Coastal list contained within the Bass Coast Preferred Canopy Tree Species, as well as 52 Indigenous species of shrubs, groundcovers and grasses selected from the Indigenous Plants of Bass Coast Shire.
Voting against the motion Cr Tim O’Brien said the trees had stood the test of time and he could not see any reason why they should come down before a replacement canopy is in place.
“Neighbours expect their neighbourhood character to be preserved, and pulling these trees down would leave a denuded block, said Cr O’Brien.
The Bass Coast Shire preferred canopy tree species lists can be found at basscoast.vic.gov.au/services/environment/native-vegetation-lists
