Woollahra Council Moves To Protect Urban Forest From Housing, Station Development

The Woollahra Council has moved to protect Woollahra’s urban forest, in response to the Minns Government’s plans for a railway station and extensive new housing.

A motion passed by councillors on 22 June resolves to ascertain the presence of any critical habits or threatened species, assess whether specific trees might be included in the municipal Significant Tree Register and explore other ways to protect the forest. It was tabled by Paddington ward Residents First councillor Harriet Price and passed 14–1, Liberal Alexander Andruska being the sole opponent.

Still awaiting Government plans, says mayor

Mayor Sarah Dixon, a Liberal, is from the Cooper ward, which envelopes the suburb of Woollahra. She said that the Government had released “nothing” on its rezoning plans for the suburb and neighbouring Edgecliff, despite its vision for 10,000 new dwellings.

“We are expecting some kind of plan to be shared with the community in a few months, and we’ll expect at least 28 days for the community to share their feedback.”

Dixon noted that the planned uplift “is going to be the largest increase in apartment dwellings we’ve seen in Woollahra, and it’s going to have a big impact on local roads, open space, trees and local services.”

She expressed hope that planning minister Paul Scully would have the same view on protecting the urban forest. “If we are faced with the removal of significant trees to make way for luxury apartments, it will be a devastating loss for current and future residents.”

“Throughout Sydney we are lucky to have so many beautiful trees. It’s often the first thing visitors and tourists comment on. They are a defining characteristic of liveable cities and we can’t take them for granted. They’re fundamental to the air we breathe and choosing locations to call home.”

“Once they are gone, they’re lost forever.”

Minister blasts “blatant attempt” to oppose housing

Scully was less than impressed with the motion, calling it “another blatant attempt from Woollahra councillors to stand in the way of much needed housing in a prime location.”

“Instead of leaving Woollahra trapped in time, like a museum, I’d encourage the councillors to start helping enable homes we need to support current and future generations. Perhaps their children or grandchildren can introduce the councillors to the Tree House book series by Terry Denton and Andy Griffiths.”

The population of Woollahra has declined by 11 per cent over the past half century, whilst the population of Greater Sydney ballooned by 74 per cent.

“Trees don’t require heritage protection because tree protection or removal is already clearly governed by the planning system.”

Supply not the only issue, says councillor

Torsten Blackwood of Residents First also represents Cooper. He raised the issue of the urban forest in a previous meeting.

“Local residents are very concerned about the loss of such an important urban habitat in such a densely populated area. Nobody that I have spoken to is opposed to the Woollahra station being completed. They would just prefer it was done with this unique environment in mind.”

“Currently only one mature kauri tree is listed for heritage conservation purposes within the station precinct.”

“I’m sure that planning minister Scully would be delighted to see a wall of concrete and glass the full length of Edgecliff Road, but then again he doesn’t have to live here.”

Blackwood said that “if Paul Scully is so concerned about the supply of housing, he would do well to address the one million vacant properties around Australia, the 8 per cent of properties owned by absent foreign investors, and the 1.2 million Australians who still use negative gearing to offset their tax liability.” These matters are largely Commonwealth responsibilities.

“Let’s just admit the obvious: supply is not the only issue. If it was, then real estate prices wouldn’t be falling across Sydney.”

The council has recently pursued an affordable housing levy.