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Victoria Square Tree

Published on 06 December 2018

Victoria Square Gum Tree

Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council wishes to advise the community that the large Manna Gum Tree located in Victoria Square Kerang is set to be removed.

Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said that Council had been concerned about the deteriorating health of the tree over a number of months.

“The decision to remove the Manna Gum in Victoria Square follows recommendations from two independent arborist reports that the tree needs to be removed due to public safety concerns,” said Mayor Learmonth.

An investigation into the health of the tree was undertaken by the arborists to assist Council’s direction on the future of the tree.

“While the tree is not historically significant, it has been a feature within Victoria Street and an important source of shade,” said Mayor Learmonth.

“The tree however now presents a risk to public safety and this is why we are acting swiftly to remove the tree.”

Over the past months there have been many suggestions from the public regarding their hopes for the tree, including hiring an artist to carve a sculpture out of the tree.

Following the suggestion from the public, Council investigated the idea of sculpting the tree.

“Unfortunately both arborists indicated that the tree is not suitable for sculpting in-situ given the low durability of this species of timber and both recommended complete removal,” explained Mayor Learmonth.

“The arborist reports indicate that there is decay and hollows present, the full extent of which is unknown and would prove a substantial risk.”

The top portion of the tree is scheduled to be removed on the morning of Saturday December 8, 2018. The central part of Victoria Street will be closed to traffic from around 7:30am for approximately 2 hours while machinery is on site.In order to minimise disruption to Victoria Street, the main trunk will be left in place and removed in mid-January 2019.

…ENDS…

Date: 6 December 2018
Contact: Communications Officer
Email: media@gannawarra.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0409 616 627 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.