CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Request for tree removal Cheshire Street Victoria Point - PAPER PETITION - 20 Signatures

Principal Petitioner: Brian Charters

Closing Date: 4.30pm, 7 November 2023

At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.

Petition Request:

We, the undersigned, request that Council look into our request for removal of the gum tree located on 4 Cheshire St. We asked Council to bar the roots from the gum tree leading to our house which caused damage lifting up pavers and into foundation of the house, we did repairs – photos supplied. Once again the roots are lifting pavers on house, they declined to bar roots because of damage to the gum tree.

Petition Response:

Thank you for the petition requesting to remove the gum tree on the footpath located at 4 Cheshire Street, Victoria Point.

This petition was tabled by Councillor Lance Hewlett at the Council general meeting on 15th November 2023, Council resolution 2023/238. Defined as operational in nature, your petition was referred to officers to respond on behalf of Dr Nicole Davis, General Manager Infrastructure and Operations. As the principal petitioners, Council provides this response to you.

Council’s qualified arborists have assessed this tree on four separate occasions over the past three years and have the tree placed on an annual inspection and maintenance program. Due to the significance of the tree, Council also has a Tree Management Plan (TMP) in place which is included for your records. At the time of all the assessments, the tree presented as healthy and typical of age and species with no significant infrastructure impacts or issues visible. Council is committed to maintaining and managing the urban environment to the best possible balance of safety, environment, amenity and cost.

Council officers assessed each issue outlined in the petition.

1. To look into our request for removal of the gum tree located on 4 Cheshire Street, Victoria Point. QLD, 4165.

• The tree is deemed of significant value and has been placed on a Tree Management Plan.

• Council has monitored this tree for many years the latest formal inspection was undertaken on the 11th of July 2023 with no change to the results of the inspection recorded in the TMP on the 1st of June 2022. Inspection of the tree has been performed by a qualified Arborist. This inspection found the tree to be in good condition for a tree of its species, location and maintenance history. There were no visible signs of rot, decay or structural faults that would deem the tree dangerous or to meet Council’s current removal criteria in accordance with Council’s Management of Trees on Council Owned or Controlled Land Guideline (ENV-001-006-G).

2. The big falling branches from the tree is concerning problem for our grandchildren.

• Unfortunately, trees do drop branches on occasions, this is a natural occurrence and generally happen due to high wind speeds which can sheer off branches. Council records indicate the tree has been pruned on several occasions removing any deadwood and thinning the canopy to reduce the likelihood of limb drop.

• Council’s TMP will ensure the tree will be inspected and maintained on an annual basis.

3. We asked council to bar the roots from the gum tree leading to our house which caused damage lifting pavers and into foundation of the house.

• Council’s records show you did make a claim against Council for damage to pavers in June 2022; however the claim was denied based on the fact that you purchased the property with all its faults and defects in May 2022. The Common Law rights of the previous owner do not automatically transfer to the new owner. Council’s Risk & Liability Services team investigations determined the damage to the property existed prior to your purchase in May 2022. I’ve attached a copy of the claim denial letter for your reference.

Trees in parks, streets and yards, conserve energy, reduce ambient temperature, improve air quality, reduce storm runoff, enhance the beauty of our communities by adding colour, texture, and form to our landscapes. It is Council’s decision to retain the gum tree on the footpath located at 4 Cheshire Street, Victoria Point and will continue to maintain the tree as per the TMP.

If you are dissatisfied with Council’s decision not to remove the trees, you are entitled to seek an internal review from the Council’s Complaints Management team. To do this, please contact Council on (07) 3829 8999 or by completing an online complaint form at www.redland.gld.gov.au.