By Jeremy Sollars
THE Southern Downs Regional Council plans to undertake the removal of at least four of its London Plane trees in the Warwick CBD following the discovery of significant ongoing damage being caused by the roots to public infrastructure.
Acting Director of Engineering Services Michael Bell said recent works to construct new tree surrounds around four existing trees in Grafton Street were required as the roots had lifted the surrounding pavement, kerb and footpath, creating trip hazards to pedestrians.
He said these works revealed that the root barriers previously installed had not contained the roots and that significant damage was also occurring to the underground pipe infrastructure.
“The size and density of the surface roots is very concerning, as the risk of damage to adjacent infrastructure both private and public, is greater than initially thought,” Mr Bell said.
“We are now aware that London Plane trees have an invasive root system and the concern is that the size of the tree makes it unsuitable for a CBD area where the trees are in very close proximity to buildings and infrastructure.
“Given the significant damage being caused, despite previous remedial work, as well as the ongoing risk to public safety, we feel there is no option but to remove the trees.”
Mr Bell advised that with the trees currently exposed it was the most opportune time to remove them, as the resources were already in place.
He said there were 24 London Plane trees in the Warwick CBD area, which might all potentially cause these problems.
“While there are four trees proposed to be treated in this financial year, there are an additional five trees that require treatment in the short-term with the remaining likely to require a similar treatment in the future,” he said.
“Council’s initial project plan was to salvage these trees but we now need to move quickly to remove them and ensure that no further risk is posed to the community.
“It is unfortunate that these trees have to be removed, but public safety has to come first.
Mr Bell said that it was the council’s intention to replace the trees and that consultation for a suitable replacement would be undertaken going forward.
Costings for replacement works will have to be considered as part of the 2017-’18 budget deliberations.
Traffic control measures will be in place during the above works and residents are asked to obey all temporary traffic signage during the works periods.
