Randwick’s last ditch effort to save trees
BY KENJI SATO
About 100 people braved the torrential rains on Wednesday to protest against the destruction of dozens of trees on the edge of Centennial Park, which are slated to be chopped down to make way for light rail construction along Alison Road in Randwick.
Randwick Greens Councillor Murray Matson, who was at the rally at 10am on Wednesday January 6, told City Hub that Randwick Council welcomed light rail, but that the trees could be saved by shifting the light rail line to the south side of Alison Rd, as was originally proposed by the government.
“If Mike Baird wants to reverse this unnecessary change to the alignment of the CBD to southeast light rail, then he needs to sit down with the contractors and Randwick city council and work something out,” he said.
“We can have both a modern light rail system in Sydney along with a thriving urban forest. This is the government’s chance to return light rail to Randwick, but to do it in conjunction with the needs of the community and the pleas of the community.”
Clr Matson told City Hub that he wants the government to “push the pause button” on the chainsaws and continue discussions with Randwick Council and Transport NSW to find an alternative route that would preserve as many trees as possible.
“No council has done more than we have done to get light rail back. If the government thinks we are now useless or irrelevant to this debate then it’s making a very big mistake. We do have expertise and we’re willing to work with the Government.”
Greens NSW MP Mehreen Faruqi, who was also at the rally, said that current light rail plan “makes no sense”.
Dr Faruqi told City Hub that the light rail would cut through much-needed cycleways and historic parkland, resulting in the loss of dozens of trees, some of which are more than 100 years old.
“I’m all for good, efficient and integrated public transport, including light rail, but transport projects must be designed and constructed for the community and preserve the environment.”
“I currently have a motion before parliament that calls on the government to revisit this decision, and I urge the NSW government to stop the impending destruction so they can plan an alternative way forward together with the community,” she said.
