Six aged Monterey Cyprus trees in Inverleigh will be removed next week, as Council prepares to undertake community engagement on the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan.
Four trees located on the western approach to the town on the Hamilton Highway, and two trees next to the highway in the Inverleigh Public Camping Reserve to the town’s east, are in poor condition and at risk of limb drop, posing a risk to the community. All six trees have been inspected by both an independent arborist and Council’s Arboriculture Specialist and have been assessed as requiring removal.
Works to remove the trees will begin on Monday 18 October and conclude by Thursday 28 October. Traffic control measures will be in place along the Hamilton Highway from 18 to 23 October during the initial works. The Hamilton Highway will remain open to traffic during this time; however, residents are encouraged to allow extra time to travel through the area.
Additional tree maintenance work will also be undertaken on some of the remaining Cyprus trees in the Inverleigh Public Camping Reserve. Following the removal of the trees, the resulting mulch will be available for local residents to collect for free at the Inverleigh Public Camping Reserve. Firewood will also be free for collection by local residents at the site of the tree removal, available for pick up each day of works from 4.30pm.
In preparation for the tree removal, Council officers including the Arboriculture Specialist have met with members of the Inverleigh Progress Association. The six Cyprus trees fall within the scope of Council’s upcoming Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan, and Council is currently preparing to undertake community engagement to develop the plan, including discussion on ideas such as tree stump sculptures. Community members will guide the development of the Plan, which will detail the species of trees that will replace the Cyprus trees and the approach Council will take to removing the remaining Cyprus trees as their health and structure deteriorate. This community consultation will take place later in 2021, with the removed trees expected to be replaced in the second quarter of 2022.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby acknowledged the Inverleigh community’s attachment to the trees and encouraged residents to contribute to the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan later in the year.
“The Cyprus tree-lined approaches to Inverleigh are a much beloved feature of the town by both locals and visitors, however, as these beautiful trees age and deteriorate, Council does need to take action to ensure public safety. Next week, six of the town’s Monterey Cyprus trees will be removed that are unhealthy and structurally unsafe.
“The challenge of what to do with ageing Monterey Cyprus trees is not unique to Golden Plains, and many other councils have had grapple with how to manage and replace them as they age and become a safety risk.
“Council will soon go out for community engagement on creating the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan, and I hope Inverleigh residents will engage with Council and take part in this process to replace the much-loved avenue in the near future.”
A map showing the location of the six trees to be removed is available on Council’s website below:
