By Romy Stephens
Yarra Ranges Council has approved the removal of 11 trees at the Olinda Recreation Reserve to make way for a new netball court and cricket net upgrades.
At their council meeting on 5 April, councillors approved a Planning Application from Parks Victoria that sought to remove the vegetation, which included two large Mountain Ash trees.
The application was submitted to allow for Parks Victoria’s Olinda Precinct Project.
Carolyn Ebdon spoke on behalf of Save the Dandenongs League. She urged the council to refuse the application in order to help preserve the landscape of an “ecologically sensitive area.”
She said refusing the application would also help avoid significant disturbance of the natural landscape.
“The Olinda Recreation Reserve contains many healthy and well established Mountain Ash. It’s Australia’s tallest flowering plant as well as other mature vegetation of varying ages and diversity,” she said.
“Large old trees are keystone structures of our forest, they are of great ecological importance and fulfil critical roles in our forest ecosystems.
“The fact that, globally, large old trees are in decline, we must act locally to ensure we have enough mountain giants for the future.”
She also said the removal of these trees would disrupt the viability of the nearby 117-year-old Olinda Mechanics Institute Hall.
Nick Clements from Tract Consultants spoke on behalf of Parks Victoria and said the proposed location was specifically identified within the 2017 Olinda Golf Course Precinct Plan.
“This is a document that was prepared with specific input and assistance from Council, so that goes towards answering some of the questions about the appropriateness of the specific site,” he said.
“There have been numerous design exercises that have occurred as part of the 2017 Master Plan that explored alternative locations.
“All of them were not deemed appropriate because of circumstances such as topography, greater impact on vegetation removal and also the physical separation of facilities from the current amenities that are provided within the site.”
An extensive debate was exhibited by councillors in regards to whether or not the trees, particularly the two large Mountain Ash, should be removed.
Councillors discussed issues such as the safety risk the trees posed, how the loss of carbon stored in the trees could contribute to climate change, whether alternative locations were thoroughly explored, community need for the project and more.
Cr Stevenson said the major native trees posed a safety risk as they were “squeezed on all four sides by existing infrastructure.”
“I sometimes wonder if they are fighting back here when you look at what’s happening with clear examples of limbs falling from trees that have damaged infrastructure,” he said.
“This information was provided by the clubs, they’ve put it forward because they are deeply concerned about what might happen to one of their members or any community member who might be in that space.”
Cr Clarke said he was “very disappointed” at the lack of analysis of alternative sites for an extra netball court.
Meanwhile, Cr Cliff said cutting down trees like this sets a precedent for future generations.
“We’ve got to leave a legacy for future young ones and the unborn and this is where it starts,” he said.
“We’ve got to stop this business of wanting to cut down trees without thinking. Maybe there’s an alternative way.
“At what point do we say enough is enough, show some spine, stand up and say we care for the future of the planet?”
The motion to allow for tree removal was then carried with five votes in favour and four votes against.
The Olinda Precinct Project is a $7.67 million State Government project which will transform the former Olinda Golf Course into 34 hectares of community parkland.
The first stage of the project – currently underway – will see a sports oval for junior sport and training developed on the site of the former Olinda Golf Course.
The second stage was completed in July last year and involves a new play space, outdoor cooking facilities and a new toilet block.
The final stage will replace the existing netball court with two new netball courts and refurbish the existing cricket nets.
Parks Victoria was only required to seek planning approval for the removal of vegetation.
Planning permission for buildings and works associated with the proposed facilities was not required.
As part of its Planning Application, Parks Victoria offered a voluntary revegetation plan, which would see 20 additional trees planted either within the Olinda Reserve or former Olinda Golf Course site.
