Local heritage group concerned about Tree Master Plan

City of Sydney’s draft Street Tree Master Plan is “devious”, says president of a local heritage conservation group.

President of Potts Point and King’s Cross Heritage Conservation Society, Andrew Woodhouse, has expressed strong concerns about the council’s tree planting master plan which went on exhibition last week.

“The Street Tree Master Plan is a threat to the amenity of people’s right to live in their chosen environment,” he said.

Mr Woodhouse is concerned that particular phrases in the plan may be contradictory and could lead to the removal of heritage trees capes in order to conduct street work.

The plan says trees won’t be removed unless “they have become a safety issue and an unacceptable hazard”.

But this is followed by the clause: “The exception to this might be when major street improvements or upgrade works are required.”

Mr Woodhouse fears these clauses may allow for the construction of new cycleways to be prioritised over existing heritage trees.

“When street upgrades are approved, existing street trees may be irrevocably destroyed… Street upgrades should not cause loss of trees either in the planning or construction phases,” he said.

A City of Sydney Council spokesperson defended the claims and said tree removal is “always a last resort.”

The spokesperson said: “In some rare instances, tree removal is required if the tree is contributing to extensive infrastructure damage that can’t be resolved without removing the tree, such as damage to roads or pathways.”

Council assured residents “community consultation is always undertaken for any proposed tree removal.”

The key suburbs of concern for Mr Woodhouse are Potts Point, Kings Cross, Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay; referred to as Precinct 22 by Council.

Local Potts Point business owner, Rob Gal from Bootleg Bar and Italian Food, takes pride in the treescapes surrounding his restaurant.

“I like the trees. They add value and a point of uniqueness to the suburb,” he said.

Chef and Owner of Gastro Park restaurant on Roslyn Street, Grant King agreed.

“Trees give a beautiful feeling to the street, otherwise things get a bit concrete and tarmac,” he said.

The Draft Street Tree Master Plan will be on exhibition to the public until September 12.

By Tara Blancato